Ils (2006)

Directors:

David Moreau
Xavier Palud

Writers:

David Moreau (writer)
Xavier Palud (writer)

Release Date:

20 April 2006 (South Korea)

Genre:

Horror | Mystery | Thriller

Tagline:

The film that terrified Europe has come to America

Plot:

Lucas and Clementine live peacefully in their isolated country house, but one night they wake up to strange noise... they're not alone... and a group of hooded assailants begin to terrorize them throughout the night.

Plot Keywords:

Night | House | Car | Writer | Country House

Awards:

2 nominations

Cast

Olivia Bonamy	...	Clémentine
Michaël Cohen	...	Lucas
Adriana Mocca	...	Ilona (as Adriana Moca)
Maria Roman	...	Sanda
Camelia Maxim	...	Maria
Alexandru Boghiu	...	L'enfant
Emanuel Stefanuc	...	Adolescent n°1
Horia Ioan	...	Adolescent n°2
Stefan Cornic	...	Adolescent n°3
George Iulian	...	Adolescent n°4

Also Known As:

Ils - Them (UK)
Them (USA)

MPAA:

Rated R for some violence and terror.

Runtime:

France:77 min

Country:

France | Romania

Language:

French | Romanian

Color:

Color

Aspect Ratio:

2.35 : 1

Sound Mix:

Dolby Digital

Certification:

Switzerland:16 (canton of Geneva) | Switzerland:16 (canton of Vaud) | UK:15 | Finland:K-15 | Germany:16 | Italy:VM14 | France:-12 (with warning) | South Korea:15 | USA:R | Japan:R-15 | Netherlands:16 | Portugal:M/16 | New Zealand:R16 | Australia:MA (2008) | Sweden:15

Filming Locations:

Bucharest, Romania

Company:

Eskwad

Trivia:

The house used in the film was an actual sprawling old estate in Bucharest, Romania. The house was so large that the production was unable to furnish all the rooms for shooting, but it was also large enough that the entire production worked out of the location.

Goofs:

Crew or equipment visible: When Clementine drives to the house a crew member (most likely cameraman) is visible on the car glass.

Quotes:

[last lines]
Child: We just want to play! Why won't you ley us? Let us! Will you let us?

Excellent atmosphere, no story

As previous reviewers have mentioned, at the start of the story you are never quite sure what genre the film is, which works in this film's favour. In many ways this film reminded me of 'Wolf Creek' in that there was next to no story at all, but instead the film focuses on character's trapped in a life or death situation and the seemingly prescient nature of the pursuer(s). In addition, there's the appeal to the 'based on a true story' line that seems to reel in some gullible viewers while causing a good eye-rolling for the rest of us. To believe that the events that transpired in this movie are based on fact is not implausible, it just seems to be an excuse for a threadbare story. That said, the movie that it is is highly suspenseful. As another reviewer mentioned, I spent most of the film cringing. Surprising lack of violence which was very refreshing, which helps make an even stronger case for this film. The final shot was very chilling in it's implications, but perhaps portrayed the antagonists as being somewhat too detached, which for me, seemed to nullify the overall impact of the film. I gave it a 7/10. I would definitely recommend it for the masterful creation of suspense.