"Irreversible" was originally cut in reverse for its 20th anniversary.
The self-proclaimed "straight cut" of the film has a more distinct clarity, giving a fuller understanding of the story.
If you can stomach a second sitting of Noe's thesis, seeing this film in chronological order is a must.
Some scenes become stronger when placed in the narrative a certain way.
Some hit the audience harder in the original cut and others in the straight cut.
There are several dual-acting scenes that shift depending on how you view the story.
The world is spinning out of control, leading into a loss of innocence.
In the Straight Cut, we meet Marcus and Pierre from an uneventful standpoint rather than catching them in the throes of vengeful murder.
Because of this, we become invested in these characters as a unit as well as individuals.
The film's final acts end up being more haunting in their repurpose as a conclusion.
"Irreversible" is a high drama about the ways we connect and refuse to do so.
The film's epilogue is a brilliant dramatic tool that becomes an important final spotlight on sexual violence.
In this new cut of Noé's sickeningly masterful message, it's hard not to take away.