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Them is a perfect example of a movie that doesn’t try and do too much, but still manages to put together a solidly crafted tale in a short amount of time. The film plays out like a giant mystery and doesn’t reveal its goodies until the very end of the film. Them is a film that trades in blood and gore for a more atmospheric approach to horror, and the final results are more than satisfying.

The film’s plot is kind of hard to go into in much detail without spoiling anything, but here it goes anyway. A teacher in Romania is staying at some house in the sticks with her writer husband. Other than having to deal with spoiled little brats all day, her and her husband have a picturesque life filled with eating dinner together, watching TV, and enjoying the many rooms of their gigantic mansion. Everything is fine and dandy… until some strangers show up and begin terrifying the shit out of them. It’s a simple plot that goes a long way thanks to the sparkling co-direction of David Moreau and Javier Palud.

Moreau and Palud bring a European sensibility to a film that is the simplest form of horror. The film focuses on the fear of death and the unknown and doesn’t let up until the very end of the film. The two directors excel in the art of creating tension and the tense nature of the film is its best aspect. Even more satisfying is the feeling that the film is exactly how long it needs to be. It spends just the right amount of time on character development and not a single minute of the film feels wasted or pointless. Together, the two French directors have crafted a taut thriller with very few flaws.

The acting is exceptional and the film’s two stars, Olivia Bonomy and Michael Cohen, share a chemistry that is seldom seen on the big screen. The two are perfectly matched, and at no point did I question them as anything other than a loving husband and wife. The best part about this chemistry is that you actually care what happens to the two characters. I only wish films like Open Water had paid a little more attention to casting people that work well together.

There’s not much to say about Them. The film comes close to being perfect thanks to its unambitious plot and storytelling, and I realize that may sound like a backhanded comment, but in an industry where every fucker in the world is making a remake or filling their stories with ridiculous plot twists, Them’s simplicity is refreshing. It’s made even more so by the expertise behind the film, and it’s one of the best horror flicks I’ve seen in a while.

Final Synopsis: There’s not much depth to this one. It’s basically an exercise in creating tension, but it is enjoyable. Quality filmmaking and an excellent story will entertain most. Give it a rent if you get a chance.

Points Lost: -1 for not having much depth

Lesson Learned: Running through the woods never throws anyone off your trail.

Burning Question: Uhhh… how the hell were all those shutters closing on their own?

Them (Ils)
9/10

Tags: 2006, david moreau, european, european horror, foreign, foreign horror, foreign movie, french, french horror, home invasion, horror, horror movie, killer kids, latest movie reviews, michael cohen, olivia bonamy, recent2, thriller, xavier palud