This 94%-Rated Flick Shot in One Take Is One of the Wildest Horror Movies You'll Ever See
The director uses the single take technique to create a completely immersive experience where viewers find themselves trapped in hell alongside the characters.
While Hollywood is starved for ideas and remakes past hits, Europeans limit themselves to nothing and are always trying something new. In 2024, French director David Moreau created the horror movie MadS, which was shot entirely in one take without any edits.
This wild, vicious, and completely uncompromising film about a zombie apocalypse doesn't give viewers a moment's respite. The plot centers on a young man who suddenly turns into a zombie and watches his world collapse in real time.
What Is 'MadS' About?
Romain's day doesn't go according to plan – a bandaged woman suddenly jumps into his car and infects him with her blood, turning him into a living corpse. Romain first experiences symptoms at a party.
His friends, including his girlfriend Anais, are at risk. Meanwhile, weaponized liquidators drive around the neighborhood trying to contain the spread of the virus and hunt the infected.
'MadS' Is an Hour-And-A-Half-Long, Full-Immersion Experience and Panic Attack
MadS is a true cinematic thrill ride that makes viewers feel like they're part of the action. The camera relentlessly follows the main character, creating a sense of presence and total immersion in the chaos unfolding on the screen.
We find themselves trapped alongside the characters in this nightmare, unable to look away or catch our breath.
MadS is reminiscent of Gaspar Noé's Climax: young people descend into a shamanic frenzy amidst a contagion, the camera performs choreographed pirouettes, and the apocalypse coincides with a destructive love triangle.
The movie is also reminiscent of George Romero's Night of the Living Dead, but with a modern French twist that adds psychedelic aesthetics and social satire.
David Moreau has created a spectacle that you will watch in one breath, without pause.
What Did Critics & Viewers Think of 'MadS'?
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MadS has 94% from critics and 67% from viewers on Rotten Tomatoes.
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On IMDb, the movie has a score of 6.3/10.
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On Letterboxd, MadS scored 3.4/5.0.
Where to Watch 'MadS'?
MadS is available to stream on Shudder and AMC+.
