The Cursed

The Cursed is a 2021 French horror film directed by Alexandra Lazarowicz and Louis Garrel. Set in late 19th-century France, the film takes place in a rural village on the outskirts of the countryside, plagued by a series of unexplained and gruesome events. The story begins with a brutal and savage slaughter of a Roma clan by a ruthless land baron, Jean Favre, played by Adrien Michaux. The event sets off a chain reaction of fear and anxiety in the local population as they begin to experience vivid and terrifying nightmares. The villagers, led by Favre's loyal butler, François, attribute these nightmares to the supernatural, but a more logical explanation is soon proposed by Charles Dupin, a visiting pathologist from Paris, played by Louis Garrel. Charles, a rational man of science, suspects that the cause of the nightmares and the strange occurrences in the village is not the work of the supernatural, but rather a wild animal, specifically a large predator that may have been displaced from its natural habitat due to the changing environment. However, upon closer inspection of the victims, Charles realizes that the wounds inflicted on them are not consistent with animal attacks. This realization prompts Charles to suspect a more sinister presence lurking in the woods. As the investigation unfolds, it becomes clear that the land baron, Jean Favre, is hiding secrets about the events that transpired in the village. His son, Henri Favre, played by Sacha Deguy, has gone missing, and a young boy, Léon, is found murdered in the village. The villagers, convinced that a dark supernatural force is at work, become increasingly desperate and superstitious. Charles, however, remains convinced that a rational explanation lies behind the events unfolding in the village. He delves deeper into the mystery, gathering evidence and insights into the Favre family's dark history. As he uncovers more information about the family's connection to the Roma clan, it becomes clear that the events that transpired in the village were far from accidental. The Cursed builds tension and suspense as Charles inches closer to the truth about Jean Favre and the events that led to the outbreak of terror in the village. As the story unfolds, it becomes clear that the land baron's actions had unleashed a dark and ancient curse, not just on his family, but on the village as a whole. The Cursed delves into themes of colonialism, xenophobia, and the darker aspects of human nature. The film presents a vivid and unflinching portrayal of rural France in the late 19th century, with its own unique set of social and cultural dynamics. Through Charles's investigation, the film reveals a complex web of connections and relationships between the characters, highlighting the intricate social hierarchies that governed rural life in pre-modern Europe. As Charles delves deeper into the mystery, he is compelled to confront his own dark past and the prejudices he has unwittingly harbored. Ultimately, the film builds towards a shocking climax that reveals the dark secrets of the Favre family's past and the true extent of the curse that has been unleashed on the village. The Cursed is a chilling and unsettling film that explores the darker aspects of human nature and the consequences of unchecked power and xenophobia. By presenting a complex and nuanced portrayal of rural life in late 19th-century France, The Cursed offers a thought-provoking and deeply unsettling viewing experience that lingers long after the credits have rolled. The film's unflinching portrayal of violence and its use of eerie landscapes and atmospheric tension create a sense of foreboding and dread that keeps the viewer on edge, making it a must-see horror film of recent years.