I refuse to say more about the plot, since Ils relies more on tension and suspense than it does character development or plotting. But don't let the lack of story prevent you from experiencing one of the few horror/thrillers that actually delivers genuine scares. If this one doesn't creep you out, have your friends and family check your wrist for a pulse. Chances are you might be dead.
My condolences.
Dynamic directing duo David Moreau and Xavier Palud — who just landed directing duties for the pointless American remake of the Pang Brothers' classic horror flick The Eye — are masters of suspense, though that title does seem a little cliche. Instead of assaulting you with graphic violence, deformed killers, and dozens of fake jump scares, they decide to keep everything in the dark until the last few minutes or so. The audience — as well as our unfortunate couple — only catch brief glimpses of the horrors stalking those shadow-choked mansion halls, relying instead on a brilliant sound design to scare the holy hell out of you.
I really hate to compare it to The Blair Witch Project — given that film's many detractors — but Ils has much in common with the pseudo-documentary's ability to spook you without relying too much on horrific visuals. I'm a firm believer that what you don't see is often more terrifying than anything on-screen, and Ils is a perfect example of such classic filmmaking techniques. Remember the spine-tingling knock-knock-knocking in the Robert Wise classic The Haunting? How about the bouncing ball in Peter Medak's The Changeling? It's that kind of horror. Subtle yet effective. Combined with a good home theater setup, Ils has the potential to invoke paranoia in even the most level-headed of viewers.
But suggestion and sound design will only get you so far. The film's two stars, Olivia Bonamy (Bloody Mallory) and Michael Cohen, help suck you into this life-threatening situation, especially if you've ever cowered with your significant other while someone or something made bizarre noises outside your bedroom window. The directors give us just enough information to form an emotional bond with this attractive young couple, and once things go from bad to worse, you can feel it right in the pit of your stomach.
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