Les autarciques (2023) A.K.A The Hermits is all about six damaged people. Three protagonists and an equal number of antagonists. Set in France, it is a languid and somewhat “intellectual” horror film. Written and directed by Julien Botzanowski this a slow paced journey into home invasion land.
Somewhat akin to The Strangers or Funny Games et al, Les autarciques delves into an almost claustrophobic setting of two clans and one outsider fighting for their lives. The film starts in the woods, in the dark and a young woman cowering in fear. We now meet a young couple preparing for a journey.
The Couple:
Tristan and Astrid are young people fleeing their damaged existing lives. They are searching for something new, calm and peaceful. Tristan needs work and Astrid needs to fight off her personal demons.
Tristan and Astrid: On a journey to turn their lives around.
The couple are driving to a house that Tristan now owns. On the way, they stop so Astrid can use the toilet. They order lemonade and talk about their journey. A local man, Loup overhears their conversation. A young man who will become part of the protagonist team in a short while. So far, this soon to be trio, all share the same problem; they are damaged people, trying to survive.
Loup: Mentally Challenged but very aware
The couple arrive at the country house. The key is missing from the suggested placements and Tristan has to use his own key. The two enter the house as Loup watches from a tree. These damaged people are about to meet their counterparts.
The Villains:
A trio of socially inept hermits who fight to maintain their status quo; “A life spent avoiding outsiders.”
Ma: the leader of the hermit group. She is strong and controlling.
Charlot: the ultra violent male of the trio and tightly connected to Ma.
Jeanne: the most vicious of the three and she is an intellectual.
She shows a surprisingly adept knowledge of the human psyche. This dichotomy makes her the stand out in this deadly troop.
The battle between these damaged people is about to begin. The six players in the home invasion film are all suffering from similar issues and are about to clash.
The cast give adroit performances in their various roles. The camera work manages to give the action a tight “up close” feeling even when seen in an open setting. Despite the slow pacing, this just over an hour and a half film entertains.
Watch this interesting French incursion offering and see what you think. Mike’s Film Talk gives it a solid 3.5 stars for FX ingenuity alone.
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