Supposedly based on a true story, Them tells the story of a tormented couple living in a rural estate somewhere in Romania. Running at 76 minutes, you may think that the film would mostly be occupied with downtime and end abruptly, but however, it paces itself, slowly building it up to the climax of the film, haunting you for days after you watch it.

I was pleasantly surprised that Them did not go for a hardcore horror tone, but however, went in a different direction. It’s refreshing to see a movie that doesn’t go for the teenage horror-buff crowd, but went for suspense that slowly built up to the “the big shock”. Them takes place on October 22nd, 2002 in Romania. It tells the story of a happy couple living in a very nice estate, but little do they know that today’s going to be a little different. As they receive a mysterious phone call, the tension slowly builds up, and the story begins to twist and turn with gaining intensity.

As to say about the acting, I can’t really comment. Pretty much the entire movie revolves around a couple, which really just have to act scared. We have the French actress Olivia Bonamy playing the wife, and Michaël Cohen playing the husband. They act well, but otherwise, it’s typical horror-acting.

The direction of Them is simply the formula of set em’ up and knock em’ down. Directors David Moreau and Xavier Palud slowly build up suspense, then break the ice with a shock and from there, anything can happen. It’s really unpredictable and keeps you guessing. As for the formula, it works a lot better then one may think. In fact, I had loads of fun watching this movie. It had me almost cowering in my seat, waiting for the “bad guy” to come out of nowhere, and finally jumping when he finally does, whether it’s a “look behind you!” moment or just a simple jump. The scares never fall short, or end. It keeps you riveted the entire movie, then cuts off with one of the most memorable ending sequences I recall in a horror movie. Again, it doesn’t feel like it cut off shortly, even at a 76 minute long running time. However, if it was 90 minutes to two hours, it would’ve seemed to drag on and leave you not as satisfied.

This is the sort of movie that really stays with you, mainly because of its ending which I like very, very much. The premise behind it is brilliant, and with a gripping script and direction mixed with fine acting, Them, in my opinion, is a modern classic.