High Lane (2009)
A French action-horror thriller where a mountain climbing trip turns into a deadly fight for survival against traps, treacherous terrain, and a relentless killer.
High Lane - Movie Information
- Original Title: Vertige
- Release Year: 2009
- Directed by: Abel Ferry
- Type: Movie
- Genres: Action, Thriller, Horror
- Runtime: 1h 30m
- Original Language: French
- Spoken Languages: French
- Release Date (Theatrical): June 24, 2009 (Belgium - 18), November 25, 2009 (Germany - 16), June 24, 2009 (France), November 25, 2009 (Spain - 16)
- Alternative Titles: Tériszony (HU), Vertigem (BR), Vertigo (ES), Vertige (FR), High Lane - Schau nicht nach unten! (DE), Vertigo (MX), Dead Cliff (JP)
- Production Companies: Gaumont, Sombrero Films, Studio Mad
- Production Countries: France
High Lane - Plot
A group of friends on a climbing vacation ignore warnings that the mountains are closed and start their ascent anyway. Collapsing bridges, bear traps and other dangers threaten to splinter the group… when the real hell begins and an unseen villain begins picking them off one by one.
High Lane - Trailer
See the tension unfold as five climbers discover the mountain holds far more than they bargained for:
Where to Watch High Lane
Looking for where to watch High Lane?
Compare all viewing options available in your region on JustWatch ↗
High Lane - Cast & Crew
Director(s)
- Abel Ferry
Main Cast
- Fanny Valette
- Johan Libéreau
- Maud Wyler
- Nicolas Giraud
- Justin Blanckaert
- Raphaël Lenglet
- Guilhem Simon
Writers
- Johanne Bernard
- Louis-Paul Desanges
Producers
- Alain Benguigui
- Thomas Verhaeghe
High Lane - FAQs
What is High Lane about?
High Lane follows five friends who ignore warnings that a mountain trail is closed and begin their climb anyway. What starts as a reckless adventure quickly turns deadly when collapsing bridges and bear traps give way to something far worse: a deranged killer stalking them through the remote peaks.
Who is the killer in High Lane?
The killer is Anton, played by Justin Blanckaert — a feral, disturbed man living in the mountains who hunts the group with brutal efficiency. His backstory is deliberately sparse, which makes him all the more unsettling. He's one of the more memorable villains in French extreme horror cinema.
Is High Lane part of the New French Extremity movement?
High Lane is often grouped with the New French Extremity wave — a movement known for visceral, uncompromising horror. While it leans more toward mainstream slasher territory than films like Martyrs or Inside, it shares the same unflinching approach to violence and survival that defines the genre.
Does High Lane have a happy ending?
High Lane doesn't shy away from brutality, and the ending reflects that. Without giving too much away, the film delivers a bleak, tense conclusion that stays true to its survival-horror roots. Don't expect everyone to make it out — this one earns its thriller credentials.
Who are the main actors in High Lane?
The cast is led by Fanny Valette as Chloé and Johan Libéreau as Loïc, with strong support from Maud Wyler, Nicolas Giraud, and Justin Blanckaert as the terrifying Anton. The ensemble does solid work grounding the tension before the film shifts into full survival mode.
What are movies similar to High Lane?
If High Lane hit the spot, check out Cliffhanger (1993) and Vertical Limit (2000) for more mountain-set thrills, or Friday the 13th (1980) and Halloween (1978) for classic slasher vibes. Predator (1987) and Duel (1971) also capture that relentless hunter-versus-prey tension the film does so well.
Who directed High Lane and what is their background?
High Lane was directed by Abel Ferry, a French filmmaker who made his feature debut with this film. Ferry demonstrates a confident command of suspense and location, using the vertiginous mountain setting to maximum effect. The film was produced by Gaumont, one of France's most storied production companies.
How was High Lane received by critics?
High Lane earned a generally positive reception among horror fans and genre critics, praised for its stunning mountain cinematography, effective pacing, and genuinely menacing villain. Some reviewers noted it follows familiar slasher beats, but the breathtaking setting and strong tension elevate it well above average genre fare.
More About High Lane
Explore further details about High Lane on these authoritative sources: