1. Plot Summary

Lucas returns to his remote Vosges village to bury parents lost in a mysterious fire. Haunted by a childhood accident in which his father killed his friend Mathias, Lucas aims to find closure alongside girlfriend Julie and friend Arnaud. But Mathias’s grieving, vengeful father awaits—and what begins as a somber reunion soon spirals into a tense night of psychological and physical torment.

2. Notable Elements

• Tightly‑wound horror: At just 70 minutes, director Mouchet wastes no time setting a chilling tone and delivers brutal, effective set‑pieces—DIY torture devices like pruning knives, pulleys, table‑saws feel both imaginative and terrifying

• Atmospheric immersion: The dense, mist-laden forest and cozy yet claustrophobic cabin are characters themselves—photographed gorgeously by Nicolas Beauchamp

• Strong performances: Gilles David, as the silently resentful lumberjack, exudes unnerving calm, while Louka Meliava and Léna Laprès maintain sympathetic grounding amid escalating horror

• Practical effects: The film leans on tangible gore and mechanical traps, adding a visceral edge often missing from CGI-heavy horror .

3. Themes and Messages

Schlitter delves into inherited guilt, vengeance, and the inescapability of the past. The “schlitter” sled symbolizes both the region’s lumberjack culture and the relentless gravity of unresolved trauma. It echoes holiday sentiments in the way unspoken family sins can overshadow communal traditions, reminding us that old wounds can poison present happiness.

4. Personal Impressions

What works:

• The film is a textbook example of economy—efficient storytelling, escalating dread, no fat ﹘ it’s “lean and mean” horror .

• Atmospherics and cinematography—viewer immersion in the damp pine woods is outstanding .

• Practical traps elevate the menace with originality and brutality.

What doesn’t:

• Some promising psychological threads—Lucas’s potential psychic echoes or post-traumatic guilt—get introduced but not fully explored

• Female lead Julie skews toward cliché, serving more as motivation than a fully dimensional character

5. Audience Recommendations

✔ For fans of taut, rural gothic horror (Don’t Breathe, Wolf Creek)—short, intense, and atmosphere-rich.
✔ For viewers who appreciate DIY traps and practical gore, rather than polished CGI.
🚫 Not suited to those seeking deep character exploration or psychological nuance—the film prioritizes tension over complexity.

6. Conclusion & Rating

Schlitter is an assured debut from Pierre Mouchet—a moody, visceral thriller that rides the line between folk‑horror and torture game. Its tight runtime and oppressive atmosphere make it a satisfying, if somewhat familiar, descent into guilt and vengeance.

Final Recommendation: A grim, nutrient-rich snack for horror lovers—effective, atmospheric, and without filler.
Rating: ★★★★☆ (4/5 stars)