Are you an entomophobe? If so, it means that you are afraid of insects. So some advice: keep going.
For others, we recommend you (re)discover La Nuée. In a world of cinema where insects are usually cast as over-the-top roles or B-movie villains, La Nuée by Just Philippot breaks the codes. Here they take center stage and are not there to make up the numbers.
This film is a fascinating and haunting exploration of the relationship between man and nature, skillfully blending horror and drama in a rural French setting.
La Nuée tells the story of Virginia, a single mother played by the talented Soulian Brahim, who struggles to save her farm from bankruptcy. In a desperate search for solutions, he discovers an unusual way to increase crop production: using herbs as natural fertilizers. However, this seemingly harmless solution turns into a nightmare.
For his first film, Just Philippot masters the fine art of horror. No need for bloody monsters or jump scares here. No, the director is playing on a much more insidious fear: the fear of insects. And for entomophobes, it’s a bit like a torture session in the Ninth Circle of Hell.
Because Philippot’s production is meticulous, he uses insects not only as an element of horror, but also as a symbol of the challenges and dangers of modern agriculture.
Sulian Brahim’s performance is another strong point of the film. She perfectly embodies the desperation of a mother who wants to do anything to protect her family and her business. His development throughout the film is both believable and engaging, adding extra depth to the story.
What makes The Swarm a horror film unlike any other is that it manages to be both terrifying and deeply human. It offers a reflection on survival, motherhood and human influence on nature. For movie buffs looking for something different, this is a film not to be missed, provided you can put up with all these little buggers whose intentions are anything but benevolent…
The Cloud is currently available on Netflix.
Source: Allocine
Rose James is a Gossipify movie and series reviewer known for her in-depth analysis and unique perspective on the latest releases. With a background in film studies, she provides engaging and informative reviews, and keeps readers up to date with industry trends and emerging talents.
