To the horror world, Xavier Gens is known as one of the pioneers of New Wave French Extremity. HIs movie Frontier(s) proved that the French were not afraid of getting nasty in their films. Then the director took a step away from horror, moving into the action arena of cinema. His first foray into this genre, the 2007 film Hitman might not have taken the world by storm, but his television show, Gangs of London, did, and his new film, Farang, is a stone-cold hit.
Although not a horror film, Farang, like Gangs of London, retains that bloody violent spirit that Gens showcased so perfectly in Frontier(s). From its opening moments to its bloody conclusion, Farang never scrimps on the gore. Gens has captured that violent and grimy texture of underground criminality beautifully. An easy comparison for Farang would be something like John Wick, but whereas Chad Stahelski’s movies are neon-soaked and slick, Farang is feral and ferocious.
Farang chronicles the story of young man Sam (Nassim Lyes) who, after being released from prison, finds himself immediately in danger once again. After a violent altercation with the local criminal contingent, Sam flees his home country of France. Five years later Sam is living with his wife Mia (Loryn Nounay) and her daughter Dara (Chananticha Tang-kwa). They live a peaceful life, but Sam’s need to provide for the family causes him to step back into dangerous circles; a gig at an underground fighting ring seeing him chance upon sins from his path. When tragedy strikes, Sam sets out for bloody revenge.
The story of Farang has been told countless times, and yet Gens still manages to keep the viewer utterly absorbed. Although a tale as old as the vengeance story, Gens pumps in a surprising amount of emotional clout. The director takes his time working up to the tragedy, painting this picture of an idyllic life, and when it gets wrenched away so brutally, the audience feels Sam’s anguish. The performance of Nassim Lyes helps further bond the viewer and protagonist, the actor articulating Sam’s pain expertly. By the time Farang arrives at its final destination, it’s hard to imagine a dry eye in the house. That is not the typical conclusion to an action-packed revenge thriller; the depth of the emotion baked within Farang is the ingredient that makes it so special.
Alongside this heavy pit of grief are some of the greatest action sequences of modern cinema. The action was overseen by Jude Poyer, who previously worked with Gens on the first season of Gangs of London. It is a blistering cacophony of extreme violence. As Sam battles his way across Thailand, there are several mind-melting scenes that easily rival Gareth Evans’ The Raid series. Poyer proved himself a master of action in series one of Gangs of London, and here he leans into that aggression-led, scrappy dogfight feel. There are many great moments of battle, but the pièce de résistance occurs in the enclosed environment of a lift. As the lift slowly ascends, Sam spars with multiple enemies in a kaleidoscope of broken bones, winch-inducing weaponry, and oh so much blood.
Just as Frontier(s) proved Gens to be a master at creating horror, Farang confirms his status as an action maestro. Farang may have a well-trodden story, but Gens forges a new path through it that is paved in blood, sweat, and unexpected tears.
Farang
Summary
An emotionally charged, adrenaline-soaked revenge story that features some of the best fight sequences in modern cinema. Farang is a never-ending juggernaut that will leave you breathless.
Farang was reviewed at Pigeon Shrine FrightFest 2023.
