Adding this to my French extreme era together with Martyrs and High Tension. I’ve heard a lot of good things about Frontier(s) and it is proven to be rightfully so. Although there were two scenes I wasn’t very fond of which we’ll talk about later on. Directed by Xavier Gens [The Divide (2011), Under Paris (2024), and The Crucifixion (2017)].

The story of Frontier(s) was as cliché as it can be: A group of friends stumbling upon a motel in the middle of nowhere only to find that the people running it are cannibalistic Neo-Nazis. The head of the family is Von Geisler, a Nazi that came with his family to France after World War 2, and he continued his crimes this way. As predictable as one would think, the story unfolds interestingly.

Great Nazi portrayal and dialogue

The portrayal of Jean-Pierre Jorris (1925-2017) as the head Nazi was phenomenal, even though he had the shortest screen time, he was by far the most authentic, great dialogue from him as well. Notable dialogues from him in Frontier(s) were:

• After Von Geisler uses the pliers on the back of Alex’s leg, he laughs and says the phrase “Arbeit macht frei.” This phrase, which means “work sets you free,” was the well-known slogan placed at the entrances of Nazi concentration camps during World War II. It still hangs at the entrance of the Auschwitz museum today.
• The song Von Geisler is whistling is “Lili Marlene,” a famous tune from World War II Germany.
• At the family dinner, Von Geisler says “Meine Ehre Heisst Treue,” which means “My Honor is Loyalty” – the motto of the Nazi SS. He then adds, “so waren wir doch Helden,” meaning “we were still heroes.”

The rest of the cast were good enough to pull it off, the group of victims were mediocre but acted accordingly. The desperation and terror in their faces was transmitted well to the audience, causing some to stop watching it altogether.

Stupid horror movie decisions

There were some scenes in Frontier(s) which I hated and could make the movie better in my opinion if it was removed.

You know those scenarios wherein someone had to escape to call for help and the other had to stay? Yasmine (played by Karina Testa) is the one who had to call for help, instead of escaping, they had to give at least 2 minutes for a romantic goodbye, it was unnecessary and one of those dumb decisions in horror movies.
Towards the end of Frontier(s) as well. During her escape, she saw the body of her boyfriend in a trough. Of course she had to stop and cover it with cloth. It was so stupid. A group of psychos chasing after her and she does that.

Conclusion

New French Extremity needs a revival. Unfortunately, at this day and age, with all these sensitivity going about. I doubt we will ever see a movie of this caliber.

Frontier(s) is highly recommended, however, I’d put this a rank lower than Martyrs (2008). Definitely not for the faint of heart.