An excellent French horror film that deserved a theatrical release in the U.S., but never gone one, "Them" is purportedly based upon true events, although some say it's actually based upon a French legend. But to divulge what those "true" or legendary events were would actually be giving too much of the story away, so we won't.
The film opens, like all good horror films, with a murder. A mother and teen daughter get in an accident in woods in Romania. When the mother heads out in an attempt to fix the damaged car, she disappears suddenly. Realizing some kind of foul play has occurred, the daughter attempts to survive by locking herself inside the car, without any luck.
Cut to a school, where a teacher (Bonamy) is heading home for the day to hook up with her loving writer husband, who's a long commute away – the two live in a large house in the very woods where the first attack took place. When their car is stolen and they come under attack from "Them," a group of for-the-most-part silent killers that wear hoodies and seem supernatural in their ability to navigate their large home and in their utter fearlessness.
Directors Moreau and Palud get maximum terror power out of the woods around the house, when the couple make a break from their home and are chased by the flashlight-wielding killers who eerily shout screams at one another to communicate. While the film is terrifying enough when we don't know who or what these mysterious attackers are, it gets worse when we realize what is going on. That's where the Romanian setting becomes more important.
A great fear-of-Eastern-Europe thriller, "Them" had already become something of a classic by 2008, despite the fact that American viewers had for the most part only been treated to the film via the film festival circuit. Like the much gorier "High Tension," "Them" demonstrates that the French absolutely know how to deliver horror, arguably better than Americans do at this point in history.
Technically a 2007 release for Americans, when it had a limited release, it stacks up as one of the best horror films of that year. Check out the official Web site here.
I was lucky enough to see this movie and it's a classic. It should have received a wide release in the USA. Instead we get stuff like "The Eye" and garbage like that and excellent films head straight to video.
Posted by Rippershammer on April 13, 2008
I was very disappointed with this film. After all the hype about it being so scary and tense etc. But it was nothing like this at all! A tired script- Two idiots living in a nice house- are disturbed by intruders- then they do everything that an intelligent person wouldn't do! Much to the viewers frustration- Not closing doors, walking about in dark places, calling out (giving where abouts away) - truly unbelievable things that only made me root for the intruders more- i was glad when they actually caught up with them in the end, they were not likable people as they were so stupid and ultimately got what they deserved. A dull over hyped predictable farce of a film. That is why it just got a dvd release and is definately not a classic!?? what films have you been watching??? If you want tension then watch 'Haute Tension' now this is a director who can keep your arse cheeks tightened and toes curled for 90mins!! Watch if you must- just don't believe the hype. It sucks! Glad i just downloaded!
Posted by JK on April 23, 2008
have to agree- this was disappointing- especially with such excellent French films such as Frontiere(s), Inside and High tension. This is overhyped and boring. predictable and basically plotless- some kids break in and attack them! wow sat up all night writing that- (supposedly 'based' on true events!! ooo! i'm scared) NOT
Posted by Clift on April 26, 2008
Yeah- waste of my time- and over hyped- why do people rave about this film??
It sucked. No suspense and the couple aren't likable so i don't care what happens to them- i agree they are dumb fucks who deserve to die! Making some stupid decisions.
Don't bother!
Posted by Joining_Heads on June 20, 2008
Wayyyy overrated. I was let down by this one.
Rank this film on a '666 scale' of one to six (left to right). Based on 2432 votes.
