Them

When it comes to crafting suspense in movies, what you can't see is often more effective than what you can. Which is why this ultra-taut Gallic tale works so well. A cat-and-mouse chiller based on real events, it centres on hidden assailants terrorising French schoolteacher Clémentine (Olivia Bonamy) and her husband (Michaël Cohen) during a weekend at their secluded country home in Romania. The tension is relentless as writer/directors David Moreau and Xavier Palud skilfully use every trick in the book to keep viewers' hearts racing. Dark shadows, slamming windows and creaking doors create a permanent atmosphere of unease suggesting a supernatural menace, as the couple's supposed sanctuary becomes a terrifying prison. And at less than 80 minutes, there's no flab to detract from the scares. The only minor qualm is the ultimate reveal, which, although still disturbing, is slightly underwhelming compared to the breathless build-up.