MY FAVOURITE HORROR MOVIE: JESSICA CAMERON

JESSICA CAMERON IS A CANADIAN ACTRESS, DIRECTOR, WRITER AND PRODUCER. LAST YEAR, HER DIRECTORIAL DEBUT 'TRUTH OR DARE' WAS ONE OF THE SMASH HITS OF THE FRIGHTFEST FESTIVAL. CAMERON'S LATEST FEATURE, 'MANIA' HAS JUST WRAPPED FILMING. HERE, SHE TALKS ABOUT Her FAVOURITE HORROR MOVIE OF ALL TIME - A FILM THAT IS AS DIVISIVE AS IT IS SHOCKING, PASCAL LAUGIER'S MARTYRS.

I have loved horror films for as long as I can remember.

I love horror films for so many reasons not the least of which anything can and often does happen. I love the unexpected rollercoaster ride that horror films can take you on, its the only genre in which you may really feel every single emotion depending on the film. Your heart starts racing, your palms start sweating and even though you know that you are safe you still feel fear, if not for yourself then for those on screen.

My favorite horror film encompasses all the above. I had heard about Martyrs months before I was finally able to get a hold of a copy. I eagerly read every review I saw, each one made me want to see the film more. Usually when I recommend this film to others I don't go into much detail, I am simply afraid of spoiling it. I just say that it is mandatory viewing for any hard core horror film fan. Usually its only a few weeks before I get a thank you note or text for the recommendation. Martyrs is one of those films that will make you think, for weeks and months after watching it. It's the most uncomfortable I have ever been while watching a film, and even I had to look away (if you know me then you understand THAT means something). Its going to challenge your perception and the stereotypes that you see every day you will look at vastly different. To this day every time I see a picture perfect family, I wonder to myself if they deserve a shot gun to the face.

After all they could be hiding anything.

It's one of those films that you WILL have a physical reaction too, even if you don't usually have one towards films. This movie was the one and only time I have LITERALLY shielded my eyes with my hands while watching a film. I thought about stopping it, more then once...but I just couldn't. The acting is superb and the characters are so well written that you associate with them very quickly and feel for them. Even when you are not sure who is bad or good, it doesn't matter because you FEEL for them. The character arcs are strong and unpredictable, but logical and well crafted. The story line is one of the most original that I have ever come across, and the film makers should be applauded for that.

I don't want to say much more then that since this film is not a film that you watch but one that you experience, and I don't want to give anything away that might lessen that experience. So go and experience it for yourself :)