MadS is unlike anything you've seen before, but that's not because of its plotting or characterization. Its unique visual perspective-one long tracking shot (without breaks or cuts)-effectively draws you into this drug-infused nightmare coupled with a zombie apocalypse. While it's visually impressive no doubt, what surprised me about this fairly minimalist, low-budget chiller is its incredible sound design that plays as significant a role as the ghastly imagery.

Writer-director David Moreau manages to create, within the constraints of budget and locations, a fever-dream-like scenario where the camera closely follows its three protagonists in individual episodes of a possible viral infection. The last act amps up the tension like anything and makes it almost difficult to breathe, as it feels like we're constantly following the lead character(s) in real-time, making the stakes a lot scarier.

Is it a say-no-to-drugs advertisement? Maybe. Is it a zombie horror flick? Maybe. Is it a teen love triangle? Maybe. Moreau keeps throwing these "maybes" at us in quick succession, not giving us the time to process the proceedings-at just 88 minutes, the film leaves a lasting impression.

P. S. Could spot the cinematographer's silhouette at one point.

I'm American so this french film with subtitles going to the top of my horror list for 2024 independent films is a pretty big feat. It wastes no time which is spectacular and seriously warranted with all these drawn out tv halfway horrors. It's very well filmed even with the handheld steady run & gun style Cinematography, I loved every scene. Definitely a film you can have fun watching with other people. Hearing them scream in french "s'ilvous plait" over and over was like music to my ears. It was choreographed to be chaotic and yet it was incredibly smooth and sharp. It didn't beat around the bush with dumb responses or poor acting it seemed very logical and crazy all at the same time. The dialogue had just enough info without being extra wordy while reading subs. From start to finish I have no complaints. The last scene was hell-fully picturesque. I see the similarities of all young people no matter where your from trying to figure out life getting dealt some life changing anguish ? and having nowhere to turn no where to hide and only thing u can do is lose your mind and scream. I love artful simplicity even the movie cover was a good clue to all who watch will be in for a disturbing fun ride.

MadS is essentially Gaspar Noe's Climax+REC+Romero's Crazies.

It has 2 drawbacks that are ultimately not that burdensome: it drags a bit before it gets going and the acting is occasionally grating with an excess of blabbering incoherently and some overacting.

It is nevertheless enjoyable with minimal exposition and stunning, grainy nighttime cinematography with excellent longtake variations. One brief sequence in particular is very very impressive (the train).

It also has an ominous eloquence to it as the plot becomes more fleshed out and the sky image on the last scene is superb. 100% worth watching and more than that: one of 2024's top 10 horror movies.