Earth and Blood, directed by Julien Leclercq, is a tense French action-thriller that dives straight into survival mode. At just 80 minutes, the film wastes no time delivering a tightly paced, minimalist siege story set in a remote sawmill.
The film centers on Saïd, a stoic and quiet sawmill owner played by Sami Bouajila, who lives a modest life with his teenage daughter Sarah, who is deaf. Just as Saïd is preparing to sell the mill and retire—partly due to a terminal illness—he discovers that a young employee has hidden stolen cocaine on the property. The drugs belong to a ruthless gang, and when they come to retrieve their goods, all hell breaks loose.
Sami Bouajila gives a strong, restrained performance. His portrayal of Saïd as a man who has lived through hardship and is prepared to make any sacrifice for his daughter lends emotional gravity to the film. Sofia Lesaffre, as Sarah, is convincing and adds vulnerability and quiet strength to the dynamic.
Director Julien Leclercq opts for a stripped-down approach. There’s little exposition, almost no backstory, and very few spoken lines. The camera work emphasizes shadows, machinery, and isolation, using the setting—a cold, industrial sawmill surrounded by dense forest—to create an oppressive, survivalist tone.
The action is raw and realistic. Instead of over-the-top choreography or massive shootouts, the violence is quick, grounded, and brutal. The use of sawmill tools and the terrain adds an inventive edge to the confrontations, though the film avoids glorifying the violence.
The sawmill itself becomes a character—cold, unforgiving, and full of potential danger. The final act plays out like a cat-and-mouse game, as Saïd must use the terrain to protect Sarah and fend off the attackers.
Earth and Blood explores themes of parental protection, sacrifice, and quiet resilience. However, the film’s brevity and minimalist storytelling are both its strength and weakness. While it maintains momentum and tension, it lacks emotional depth and character development. The gang members are underwritten, and the stakes, though immediate, could have benefited from more build-up.
It doesn’t break new ground in the action-thriller genre, but it does deliver what it promises: a gritty, focused survival tale with a strong lead and a unique setting.
Earth and Blood is a compact, suspenseful thriller that thrives on atmosphere and intensity. It’s not a deep film, but it’s a satisfying watch for fans of lean, high-stakes survival stories. Think of it as Taken meets Home Alone, but in a sawmill—grim, quiet, and brutal.
