Climax Review

When we are first introduced to the characters of French director Gasper Noe’s drug-fueled Climax, it is through grainy audition tapes on an old tube television. Various books and movies crowd our perspective of the scene, some of these include Dario Argento’s Suspiria as well as the 1981 phycological horror film Possession. This is the movie wearing its heart on its sleeve, showing the film’s inspirations while warning the viewer of the relentlessly horrific scenes that are yet to come.

Noe’s work is in no way a stranger to shock and controversy, often combining a visually immersive aesthetic with grotesque content. Climax is no different, featuring sexually driven, hypnotic dance sequences and Von Trier-esque dialogue that eventually breaks you with its vulgarity. All before escalating into a gruesome, unrelenting visual roller coaster that disorients and assaults the senses.

Taking place entirely in an old school building, the film centers around a diverse dance troupe whose post-rehearsal party goes terribly wrong when they find out that their sangria has been spiked with LSD. As each cup is consumed, more partygoers start feeling strange. Some start accusing, some start berating, others start seducing, all of which is told magnificently through long takes reminiscent of Iñárritu’s Birdman and Aronofsky’s Mother!.

This is where Climax shines, no matter if people are dancing or rioting, each scene exhibits wonderful choreography that one would expect from a cast that all have a dance background. It’s chaotic and mesmeric. Emotions range from heavenly euphoria to hellish agony as the scenes bend and blur, constantly sifting through the madness that is covered in cinematographer Benoît Debie’s inflamed reds and deep greens.

Noe can only keep the juggling act up for so long though, with some setups resulting in very predictable outcomes throughout a thinly laid out plot. This leaves many of the characters feeling completely forgettable or unfulfilled despite the consistent energy they bring.

Nonetheless, Climax results in a mesmeric technical and visual buffet that is sure to divide its viewers. Noe continues to construct scenes that feel like storms, which if can be weathered, are sure to leave an impression.

Despite some meaningless dialogue and predictable shocks, Climax is a gripping and uncomfortable descent into madness that refuses to let go.

Produced By: A24
Runtime: 97 minutes
Rating: R