by In The Settlers (Los Colonos), Felipe Gálvez’s notable directorial debut, there is a point where the film transitions from a nearly traditional Western into something that verges on a harrowing horror story. Although Westerns and horror films might appear very different, both explore deep and often disturbing forms of violence. In The Settlers, the breathtaking beauty of the vast landscapes, expertly portrayed by cinematographer Simone D’Arcangelo, stands in stark contrast to the severe darkness of the historical narrative it presents.
Chosen as Chile’s entry for Best International Feature Film at this year’s Academy Awards, The Settlers explores thematic similarities with Jennifer Kent’s harrowing The Nightingale and hints of Kelly Reichardt’s Meek’s Cutoff. However, the film unfolds unique aspects that set it apart. On one level, it tells a straightforward story of individuals tasked with “protecting” a large tract of land. On another, it examines the trajectories of violence and power that can obliterate those caught in their path. Gálvez’s approach ensures that we are compelled to confront the lingering impact of this violence head-on, demanding a thorough engagement with the film’s somber reality.
The Settlers (2023)
Western
Crime
Drama
History
In Chile in 1901, three horsemen are hired to guard a vast estate. Accompanied by a British soldier and an American mercenary, the group includes a mixed-race sniper who discovers that his true mission is to exterminate the indigenous population.
Release Date
December 20, 2023
Director
Felipe Gálvez Haberle
Cast
Sam Spruell, Alfredo Castro, Mariano Llinás, Emily Orueta
Runtime
97 minutes
Main Genre
Western
Writers
Antonia Girardi, Felipe Gálvez Haberle, Mariano Llinás
What Is ‘The Settlers’ About?
Set in Chile at the dawn of the 20th century, the film immerses us in an environment that feels almost apocalyptic. We begin by witnessing laborers constructing a fence under the watchful eye of a horseback overseer. After a brutal accident causes one worker to lose a hand, the overseer, unmoved by the man’s pleas, executes him. This act of casual violence establishes a grim tone for the film. The overseer, former soldier Alexander MacLennan (Mark Stanley), and Segundo (Camilo Arancibia), a mestizo with exceptional shooting skills, are then tasked with patrolling the land and eliminating any Indigenous people they encounter. Their mission unfolds with relentless brutality.
The settlers remains steadfast in its portrayal of violence, whether in its immediate execution or its lingering effects. During a brief encounter with other ruthless individuals, one character remarks on the current peace, which is then countered by another’s desire to inflict harm. These moments evolve from displays of strength into bare-knuckle brawls, revealing an existential boredom among those who are not actively dominating others.
The hierarchical nature of their interactions illustrates how Segundo is trapped within this cycle, driven to become an agent of death out of fear for his own survival. The film’s harrowing sequences, marked by screams and gunfire, evoke a sense of dread similar to Cormac McCarthy’s Blood Meridian, while grounding its narrative in a specific historical context. The film’s surprising yet fitting conclusion underscores the pervasive impact of its harrowing story.
The Conclusion of The Settlers Confronts Us Directly
As the film nears its conclusion, there’s a shift to exploring the aftermath of the violence. Gálvez, with co-writers Antonia Girardi and Mariano Llinás, highlights how historical atrocities can be superficially addressed by those who claim to confront them. This critical perspective is brought to life by Mishell Guaña’s performance as Kiepja, a Selk’nam woman caught in a forced reconciliation that obscures the true extent of the ongoing suffering. The film challenges viewers to confront the uncomfortable realities behind the superficial attempts at peace, revealing the futility of such gestures in addressing deep-seated pain.
