The Settlers” unfolds in the early 20th century during the South American land rush, where settlers from various European nations converge. In Chile, the Spanish dominate, displaying contempt and violence towards the Indigenous population. The film opens with men constructing a fence amidst a wild, windy landscape, where the wind seems to possess a malevolent presence. Alexander MacLennan, employed by Spanish landowner José Menéndez, perpetuates a reign of terror, exemplified by his brutal treatment of a worker.
MacLennan, tasked with mapping uncharted territory for Menéndez, enlists the help of Bill, an American mercenary, and Segundo, a mixed-race Chilean. Despite Segundo’s reluctance, he has no choice but to join the expedition. As the trio ventures into the Patagonian wilderness, they encounter the harsh realities of Indigenous oppression and settler violence.
While Westerns have long romanticized frontier life, “The Settlers” offers a starkly unvarnished portrayal. Devoid of irony or philosophical musings, the film exposes the brutality of colonization without sugarcoating. Scenes of depravity evoke Cormac McCarthy’s Blood Meridian, highlighting the madness induced by unchecked violence.
Simone D’Arcangelo’s cinematography captures the breathtaking yet foreboding landscape, emphasizing the stark contrast between natural beauty and human savagery. Harry Allouche’s score enhances the film’s intensity, underscoring its weighty themes.
Although the dialogue may lack subtlety, “The Settlers” ultimately confronts the grim legacy of colonialism. The epilogue drives home the necessity of reckoning with the past, revealing the enduring stain of original sin.