Mads is directed by David Moreau director of Them (2006), The Eye (2008), It Boy (2013), Seuls (2017) and King (2022). 

I knew very little about MadS going in and after watching all I really have to say is don’t do drugs kids! 

No but seriously MadS is quite something, it’s a chaotic French horror film that really goes all out with so many disturbing elements. The film itself is impressive being that it was done in one long take, hearing the film does that is already impressive. But once you actually sit down and watch the film it’s even better, due to just how much is going on in this film and the amount of chaos that unfolds. 

The performances are all around quite good, strangely enough MadS ends up being one of the more realistic zombie films that have come out recently and that’s largely part thanks to the characters and the atmosphere of the film. The characters while on a lot of drugs end up giving the film tons of creative sequences as well as giving this interesting perspective of being in the mind of someone who is completely high on drugs. It’s genuinely terrifying and really leads to so many disturbing moments of the film.

The atmosphere is absolutely haunting, between the characters slowly morphing into these zombie like creatures (creature design is excellent) and the feel that your looking into the film’s version of hell you have yourself a very disturbing film. Witnessing all of this really does make you feel like you are right there with the characters watching this unfold, the build up to the finale is well worth it. There really isn’t much in the way of character moments, but from what’s presented it’s more than enough to get an idea of who the characters are. 

MadS is much more focused on building atmosphere, showing how the camera itself can create haunting moments by utilizing film being one long take to its advantage and the slow transformations. The one long take makes the film feel like you really are with the characters on this drug tripped nightmare that only gets more and more terrifying as the night goes on. 

Go into MadS knowing as little as possible, it’s the best way to experience the film by far. The film might not be for everyone but I still do highly recommend this one.

MadS is available on Shudder 

9/10 A