Anchor Bay
Director: Xavier Gens
Writers: Karl Mueller, Eron Sheean
Stars: Lauren German, Michael Biehn and Milo Ventimiglia
(From imdb.com)

What they say: Prepare yourself for the unrated movie experience that critics are calling one of the most graphic and extreme end-of-the-world shockers of our time: As nuclear warheads rain down on Manhattan, nine strangers – including Lauren German (HOSTEL: PART II), Milo Ventimiglia (“Heroes”), Courtney B. Vance (“Law & Order: Criminal Intent”), Ashton Holmes (“Revenge”) and Rosanna Arquette (PULP FICTION) – barricade themselves in their apartment building’s bunker-like basement controlled by the unhinged superintendent (a stunning performance by Michael Biehn of ALIENS and TOMBSTONE). But within days, supplies dwindle, tempers flare and the trapped survivors will be overcome by treachery, madness, sexual torment and savage violence. What follows is intense. It is raw. And it is all brutally, horrifyingly real. This is THE DIVIDE.

What I say: When Xavier Gens exploded into the horror scene in 2007 with his exceptional Frontier(s)I had high hopes for his cinematic future. Part of the French new wave of horror, his Frontier(s) was deemed too extreme for the Eight Film TO Die For series, and was pulled until their home video release.

Naturally Gens was snatched up by the Hollywood machine and he crapped out the God-awful Hitman movie. I thought this was it for the seemingly talented director then came The Divide. Xavier Gens is truly back in his element in this end of the world shocker. Several people are trapped in the basement of a Manhattan apartment building and as time goes on they turn on each other and human nature takes over. Add in the face that someone snatched the only child in the group and welded them into the basement and things only get worse and the group frays even more.

The real star of the film is the haunting and effective score, it really sets the desolate mood for the film and it really sticks with you. The performances are all top notch, especially Rosanna Arquette, Michael Biehn, and Lauren German. Xavier Gens is all ready a master of ratcheting up tension and he excels here as the film can quickly shift from a quiet moment only to explode into violence a few seconds later. It definitely keeps you on your toes and keeps your nerves as shot as the survivors. Add in one of the bleakest ending in recent memory and you have a soul scarring viewing you will never forget.

There are no real extras to speak of except for the trailer and a DVD copy of the film, but the film itself looks great and the sound is VERY effective in setting the mood of the film.

Film: 9/10
Blu-Ray: 9/10
Highly Recommended!!!