Them (2006) – A French Horror Thriller
That’ll Haunt Your Nights
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Written by~ Melissa Salinas
Horror fans, brace yourselves for a heart-pounding descent into terror with Them (2006), a French-Romanian horror thriller directed by the masterful duo David Moreau and Xavier Palud. This lean, 77-minute nightmare is a pulse-racing masterclass in suspense that Nocturnal Newz can’t stop raving about. With its chilling atmosphere, gripping performances, and a jaw-dropping ending that we won’t dare spoil, Them is a hidden gem that demands your attention. If you’re craving a horror experience that’s as smart as it is scary, lock your doors, dim the lights, and dive into this unforgettable film. Here’s why Them is a must-watch for every thrill-seeker.
Plot Synopsis: A Night of Relentless Terror
Them introduces us to Clémentine (Olivia Bonamy) and Lucas (Michaël Cohen), a young French couple living in a sprawling, isolated mansion in the Romanian countryside. She’s a teacher, he’s a novelist, and their quiet life seems idyllic—until one stormy night changes everything. Strange noises echo through the house: a creak, a thud, a whisper in the dark. Suddenly, the couple realizes they’re not alone. Hooded figures are stalking them, turning their sanctuary into a battleground. What follows is a relentless game of cat-and-mouse, as Clémentine and Lucas fight to survive a night of unimaginable horror. The film opens with a gut-punch prologue—a roadside encounter that sets a terrifying tone—before plunging us into the couple’s ordeal. Who are these assailants? What do they want? The answers unfold in a way that’ll keep you glued to the screen.
Atmosphere and Cinematography: A Claustrophobic Nightmare
The genius of Them lies in its suffocating atmosphere. The mansion is a character in itself, with shadowy corridors, creaky floors, and rooms that seem to devour light. Cinematographer Axel Cosnefroy crafts a visual nightmare, using tight frames and muted colors to make every corner feel threatening. Even in a large house, you’ll feel trapped, as if the walls are closing in. The sound design is equally chilling—every distant bang or rustle is a jolt to the nerves, amplified by René-Marc Bini’s minimalist score that creeps under your skin. Moreau and Palud excel at building dread through silence and suggestion, proving that what you don’t see is often scarier than what you do. This is horror that lingers, making you jump at every creak in your own home.
Performances: Raw and Riveting
Olivia Bonamy and Michaël Cohen deliver performances that anchor Them’s emotional weight. Bonamy is a revelation as Clémentine, her wide-eyed terror and raw desperation palpable in every frame. There’s a scene where she navigates a tight space—drawing on Bonamy’s real-life claustrophobia, per the directors—that’s so visceral you’ll feel her panic. Cohen’s Lucas is a perfect foil, blending grit with vulnerability that makes you root for him. Their chemistry feels authentic, grounding the horror in a relatable human connection. You’re not just watching characters—you’re invested in their survival, feeling every moment of their fear and defiance. The supporting cast is minimal, but the unseen assailants are a menacing presence, their faceless threat amplifying the terror.
Directorial Vision: Less is More
Moreau and Palud’s debut feature is a testament to restrained horror done right. Unlike some of its New French Extremity peers (High Tension, Martyrs), Them avoids excessive gore, relying instead on psychological dread. The directors draw inspiration from real-life fears—being hunted in your own home—and amplify them with surgical precision. The pacing is relentless: a slow-burn opening gives way to non-stop tension, with each scene tightening the screws. The film’s brevity ensures no moment is wasted, yet it never feels rushed. Subtle clues about the assailants’ motives are woven into the narrative, rewarding attentive viewers without spelling everything out. It’s a film that respects your intelligence, letting your imagination fuel the fear.
Cultural Context: A French Horror Triumph
Released during the golden age of French horror, Them stands tall alongside contemporaries like Inside and Frontier(s). Often compared to The Strangers (2008), it feels more raw and intimate, with a cultural edge rooted in its Romanian setting. The claim that it’s “based on real events”—loosely tied to an unverified story of an Austrian couple’s murder—adds a layer of unease, even if the details are murky. Them taps into universal anxieties about vulnerability and the unknown, making it resonate across borders. Its influence is undeniable, cementing its place as a cornerstone of modern horror that still feels fresh nearly two decades later.
Why It Works: Primal Fear, Perfectly Executed
Them succeeds because it nails the essentials of horror: suspense that coils tighter with every scene, performances that hit hard, and an atmosphere that seeps into your bones. The home invasion premise is primal, stripping away safety and exposing raw human instinct. The film’s restraint—favoring shadows over splatter—makes the terror feel real, while its tight runtime keeps the adrenaline pumping. It’s a roller-coaster that never lets up, with twists that keep you guessing. And that ending? Without spoiling, it’s a shocking gut-punch that re-contextualizes everything, delivering haunting social commentary that’ll spark late-night debates. You’ll want to re-watch to catch the breadcrumbs you missed.
Minor Critiques: Not Without Flaws
No film is perfect, and Them has minor hiccups. The limited backstory for Clémentine and Lucas might leave some wanting more depth, though their performances compensate. The Romanian setting occasionally leans into “foreign menace” stereotypes, a trope that feels dated. These are small quibbles, though, in a film that’s otherwise razor-sharp. The focus on atmosphere and survival outweighs any narrative gaps, and the payoff is worth it.
Why You Should Watch: A Horror Gem Awaits
If you love horror that’s smart, intense, and unforgettable, Them is calling your name. It’s a masterclass in suspense that proves you don’t need gore to terrify. Olivia Bonamy and Michaël Cohen will make you feel their fear, the atmosphere will haunt your dreams, and that ending will leave you floored. Nocturnal Newz gives Them a glowing 4.5 out of 5 stars for its sheer intensity and lasting impact. Whether you’re a seasoned horror buff or a newbie seeking thrills, this French masterpiece delivers. Stream it on Shudder, hunt down the Blu-ray, or gather friends for a watch party—just don’t be surprised if you’re checking your locks afterward.
Final Thoughts: Dare to Face the Dark
Them is the kind of film that reminds us why we love horror. It’s lean, mean, and merciless, with a finale that’ll stay with you long after the credits roll. Nocturnal Newz can’t recommend it enough for its craftsmanship, emotional depth, and ability to scare you silly. So, grab your popcorn, turn off your phone, and immerse yourself in this 77-minute nightmare. Them is waiting to show you what true terror feels like. Watch it tonight—if you dare.
Nocturnal Newz Rating: ★★★★½ (4.5/5)
Runtime: 77 minutes
Genre: Horror, Thriller
Language: French with subtitles
Where to Watch: Check platforms like Shudder, Amazon Prime, or physical media for availability.