Far from Men (Loin des hommes) is a 2014 French-Algerian drama film directed by David Oelhoffen, starring Viggo Mortensen and Reda Kateb. Set in 1954 during the Algerian War of Independence, the film is loosely based on Albert Camus’ short story “The Guest” from his collection Exile and the Kingdom.

The story follows Daru (Viggo Mortensen), a reclusive schoolteacher of Spanish descent living in a remote Algerian village. He is tasked with escorting Mohamed (Reda Kateb), a villager accused of murder, to French authorities in the town of Tinguit. As tensions rise between the French and Algerian populations, Daru and Mohamed embark on a perilous journey across the Atlas Mountains, confronting both external threats and internal moral dilemmas. The film explores themes of identity, justice, and the human cost of conflict.

Far from Men received generally favorable reviews. On Rotten Tomatoes, it holds an 84% approval rating based on 24 reviews, with an average rating of 6.8/10. Metacritic assigns the film a score of 74 out of 100, indicating “generally favorable” reviews based on 13 critic reviews . Critics praised the performances of Mortensen and Kateb, as well as the film’s cinematography and direction. Manohla Dargis of The New York Times noted that the film “resolutely steers it home with political context, historical hindsight, an unambiguous moral imperative and a pair of well-matched performances” .

ar from Men is available for streaming on platforms such as Amazon Prime Video, Vudu, and Kanopy. Availability may vary by region, so it’s advisable to check your local streaming services.

For viewers interested in a contemplative exploration of moral choices during a turbulent historical period, Far from Men offers a poignant narrative enriched by strong performances and a compelling setting.