Vertige (2009)
Vertige (2009), also known as High Lane, is a French survival horror thriller directed by Abel Ferry. The film follows a group of five friends who embark on a climbing adventure in the remote mountains of Eastern Europe, only to find themselves trapped in a deadly fight for survival.
The story centers on Chloé (Fanny Valette), her boyfriend Loïc (Johan Libéreau), and their friends Guillaume (Raphaël Lenglet), Karine (Maud Wyler), and Fred (Nicolas Giraud). Seeking an adrenaline-filled getaway, the group decides to climb a dangerous, abandoned via ferrata—an extreme mountain trail featuring steel cables, ladders, and bridges. Despite warnings that the path is closed, they press forward, determined to reach the summit.
Initially, the trek is thrilling but soon turns perilous. The group encounters unstable bridges, frayed safety cables, and sheer drops that test their endurance and trust in each other. However, the true nightmare begins when they realize they are not alone. As they ascend, they sense an eerie presence watching them, and soon, they are hunted by a brutal, deformed mountain dweller named Anton (Justin Blanckaert).
Separated and vulnerable, the climbers are picked off one by one in brutal and suspenseful sequences. Anton, a deranged hermit with a deep-seated hatred for outsiders, uses traps, brute force, and psychological torment to terrorize them. Loïc and Guillaume attempt to protect Chloé and Karine, but their survival instincts are pushed to the limit as they face both the treacherous landscape and Anton’s relentless pursuit.
The film’s tension builds through a mix of vertigo-inducing heights, claustrophobic encounters, and gory, violent attacks. The cinematography emphasizes the vast, inescapable wilderness, reinforcing the group’s isolation. The psychological aspect is also explored, particularly in Chloé’s struggle to overcome fear and her past trauma.
Vertige stands out as a blend of survival thriller and slasher horror, reminiscent of films like The Descent (2005) and Wrong Turn (2003). It combines raw, physical danger with psychological terror, culminating in a gripping, bloody finale that leaves viewers on edge. While it follows some familiar horror tropes, the film’s high-altitude setting and realistic stunts add an extra layer of suspense, making it a must-watch for fans of survival horror.
