Cast
View AllCrew
Director
- Julien Botzanowski
Writer
- Julien Botzanowski
Producer
- Alexandre Laugier
- Capucine Lamarque
- Julien Botzanowski
Reviews
Thematic Analysis
This Horror film explores themes of fear and survival, delving into the psychological aspects of human nature when confronted with the unknown. The Hermits presents a unique perspective on the horror genre by focusing on the psychological terror rather than relying on typical jump scares.
Director Julien Botzanowski brings their distinctive visual style to this film, continuing their exploration of themes seen in their previous works while adding new elements. Their approach to pacing and visual storytelling creates a viewing experience that rewards close attention.
Released in 2023, the film exists within a cultural context that continues to evolve with our understanding of its themes. Its reception demonstrates the diverse reactions to its artistic choices and its place in cinema history.
Did You Know?
- The production of The Hermits took approximately 14 months from pre-production to final cut.
- The final cut of the film runs for 91 minutes, though the director's initial assembly was reportedly 118 minutes long.
- Some visual effects sequences took up to 6 months to complete.
- The director insisted on using practical effects whenever possible, reserving CGI for only the most necessary scenes.
- The screenplay went through 8 major revisions before the final shooting script was approved.
Historical Context
- In 2023, when this film is released:
- The COVID-19 pandemic transformed global health, economics, and social interaction.
- Streaming platforms had largely replaced traditional cinema and television models.
- Streaming platforms were disrupting traditional distribution models and changing how audiences consumed films.
How This Film Stands Out
While The Hermits shares thematic elements with other films in its genre, it distinguishes itself through its unique approach to storytelling, visual style, and character development.
Unlike Finally Home, which focuses more on action than character development, The Hermits offers a fresh perspective through its innovative visual language and narrative structure.
While films like Secrets and A Good Scream explore similar territory, The Hermits stands apart through its deeper exploration of its central themes and more complex characterization.
This film's unique contribution to cinema lies in its thoughtful balance of entertainment value and thematic depth, making it a valuable addition to its genre.
Details
- Release Date: September 1, 2023
- Runtime: 1h 31m
Where to Watch

