Considered a pivotal work of the French Extreme Cinema movement, Martyrs is a film once seen, never forgotten. While once may be one time too many for some, the film has reared its ugly little head again in this limited edition 4k restoration from Eureka Entertainment. That’s every drop of blood shed all over again, in gritty, crystal-clear, far-too-high definition.

For the uninitiated, or those lucky enough to forget: in 1971, a young girl (Jessie Pham) escapes a chamber of horrors where she’s been subject to all manner of torture and abuse. Whisked away to an orphanage, she befriends Anna (Erika Scott), who tries to bring comfort and light back into this profoundly traumatised individual’s life. Fifteen years later, and an adult Lucie (an electrifying Mylène Jampanoï) launches a bloody campaign of revenge against those she deems responsible. Soon after, Anna (Morjana Alaoui) arrives, wholly unprepared for what lurks in the depths of the Belford House.

Written in a deep depression (and one can tell!), Martyrs is a work of bleak and unrelenting nihilism. There’s nary a moment of warmth in the whole thing; no respite from the physical and mental abuse Lucie and Anna – and by proxy, the audience – are exposed to. Jampanoï and Alaoui are absolute warriors about the whole thing, even if Laugier’s male gaze-y camera threatens to cross a line that the film’s themes can’t excuse – as its horrific violence perhaps can. From home invasion movie to supernatural thriller (but not really), to ‘torture porn’ final chapter, Martyrs commits wholeheartedly to each subgenre it straddles. If its story is too slight to necessitate a re-watch, then this special edition – loaded with all-new interviews and featurettes – gives it fresh relevance.

Martyrs is a film once seen, never forgotten. If you really must inflict it upon yourself all over again, then this comprehensive restoration set makes for the ideal bloody vessel.

MARTYRS (Masters of Cinema) the limited edition is out on October 27, 2025