“MadS” follows a teenager who stops off to see his dealer and test a new drug, before his night takes a surreal turn after picking up an injured woman.

“MadS” is an extremely unconventional movie. The film rejects a traditional plotline and instead plunges into an unpredictable journey. From the very beginning, it becomes clear that structure and familiarity are not priorities here. While the opening 40 minutes of “MadS” are exhilarating and completely bonkers, the second half pushes things even further into madness.

With little interest in meeting audience expectations, writer-director David Moreau repeatedly attempts ideas that most others would not dare to try, which gives the film a distinct identity. That willingness to constantly shift direction becomes one of the its biggest strengths. Just when it appears that the story is heading somewhere specific, “MadS” abruptly flips the script and pushes the narrative into stranger territory.

One of the most effective elements of “MadS” is its visceral quality. The filmmaking style creates the sensation of being right alongside the characters as events spiral further out of control. The one-shot presentation could easily have come across as a gimmick. Instead, it is executed with purpose. The continuous camera movement enhances the film’s surreal atmosphere while also embracing the small imperfections that naturally occur in real life.

Much of the story remains deliberately unexplained, leaving the audience with only the same limited knowledge as the characters on screen. This approach creates an atmosphere of confusion, as every new development feels unpredictable. The result is an experience that is deeply immersive. Rather than providing clear answers, the film leans into its mystery.

“MadS” delivers a horror experience that feels both unique and unsettling. The end result is a wild and nerve-rattling ride that refuses to play by the usual rules.

Rating: 4.5 out of 5