Climax Review
Myla Tosatto
I would say that I was hypnotized from the very first dancing sequence of Gaspar Noé’s latest film, Climax. But this might not even be true. I’m slightly confused because we as the audience saw the end scene and closing credits at first and the opening credits about 50 minutes into the movie. Apparently, that’s what Gaspar Noé does. Anyway, the first big dance number is sensational (in whatever order it came in). It is absolutely thrilling. I could have watched that all day long. But this being a movie and all, there is more to follow.
The year is 1996 and a team of hot, young dancers is assembled in a deserted school in France to get ready for a tour of the United States. They practice, party and partake of sangria. This seems innocent enough except that the sangria has been spiked with LSD. The mother figure of the group, Emmanuelle (Claude Gajan Maull), says, “The only thing I’ve done right is this sangria.” Oh, Emmanuelle. If only.
Things get weird. Psychedelic and uncomfortable. And gross. Then ultimately deadly. As Lou (Souheila Yacoub) says, “It’s a nightmare.” I have to agree. This movie isn’t technically a horror movie, but horrors abound. It may not be everyone’s cup of sangria.
The only well known actor in this is Sofia Boutella. I personally find her as magnetic as anyone on screen right now. She can hold her own against the casts of Star Trek Beyond and Kingsman: The Secret Service as well as taking your eye from the goddess that is Charlize Theron in Atomic Blonde. That is charisma right there. And she can dance!
As I said before, the dancing is fantastic. It’s a super hip hop blend of vogue and krump. The music that goes along with it is also outstanding. I’m sure I will delight you with my moves when you see me out in the clubs after what I learned in Climax (the choreography, not the tripping).*
*This is never going to happen. Movie Myla can’t dance.