Raw, Colorful, Sexually Charged and Spellbinding

Rating: 9/10 (23 September 2018)

Sangria spiked with LSD causes a party of already supercharged young Paris dancers to spin into violent, sexually charged and deadly chaos. Based on a real event.
All the raw energy, random aggression and explicit passion that Noe is known for. "You despised I Stand Alone, you hated Irreversible, you loathed Enter the Void, you cursed Love," declares one of the film teasers "now try Climax." Personally, I love Gaspar Noe. There is nothing quite like his films. Art is supposed to take you out of yourself, and Noe certainly makes this possible.
The choreography is exquisite, mesmerizing and precise. Everyone is moving, and the scenes flow into each other as if it was one long continuous take. The photography is colorful and spellbinding. I was pleased that the cinematographer from Enter the Void (which is one of my favorite films) joined with Gaspar again. The dancers are remarkable for their talent, clothing (or lack thereof), fitness and freestyle movements. The camera goes above, close-up and spins round them, mimicking and enhancing their movements and energy. Members of the cast that are not professionals were culled from Paris night clubs and YouTube. The hypnotic, pulse quickening beats come from Cerrone, MARRS and Aphex Twin. North American premiere seen at the 2018 Toronto International Film Festival.