Louis Theroux: The Settlers

Louis Theroux's The Settlers is a thought-provoking and intense documentary that explores life in the West Bank.

It offers a close look at the realities on the ground, highlighting the tensions between settlers and Palestinians without forcing a specific viewpoint. Theroux's calm, observant approach allows the situation to unfold naturally, letting viewers form their own impressions.

The documentary touches on sensitive issues like settlement expansion, military presence, and restricted movement in a way that feels both emotional and restrained.

It's a raw, important watch for anyone interested in understanding the complexity of the region today.

It's hard to characterise Israel's activities in the West Bank as anything other than settler colonialism; and the sort of person attracted to that life is unlikely to seem very appealing to anyone else. Louis Theroux, in many of his other documentaries, plays perplexed when talking to problematic people; in 'The Settlers', he doesn't hide his palpable dislike of those making facts on the ground at the end of a gun. While one can sympathise with Jews born in Israel, who bear no personal responsibility for the world's complex history but who nonetheless face its consequences, Theroux's interviewees here are a nasty bunch, as the Palestinians who live around them find their own lives steadily squeezed into ever narrower spaces. As usual on this subject, it's hard to see any quick path to an equitable resolution; but important nonethless that the truth be told.

Outstanding documentary. Louis and team - thank you. This is so needed at this time. Very disturbing ideology captured so rawly and allowing people to express their ridiculous views without interruption and dig holes for themselves.

His interview style is always a hit. I have no idea how he composes himself amongst religious fanatics. But it allows us insight into what these people are telling themselves.

Many people might claim this documentary is biased - I would challenge that narrative and ask people to read up on history. Please watch this before we lose it. This is the type of journalism this world so desperately needs.

Absolutely fascinating, genuinely.. My whole life I've heard about ideologies and how they move people, I was immensely surprised to watch events happen in front of me.

Banality of evil.

You watch how people believe that certain human beings are a lower form of life, that they do not even deserve it.

Then the philosophical question of "what is peace?" To the individuals in question, that is a hard egg to crack.

I was also fascinated with onlookers on a destroyed ravaged open air prison/grotto.

They actually take their children to watch destroyed homes... And I felt odd, because why would I bring my own child to watch where people have ceased to exit...

Actually, it also scared me.. I mean I live in a secure region but what if this happens to me? Woah.

Louis Theroux delivers a quiet but devastating look at Israeli settlers in the West Bank. Through calm, persistent questioning, he exposes the fanaticism, state protection, and apartheid-like conditions driving the occupation-without ever needing to raise his voice.

Theroux's strength is letting people reveal themselves. Settlers speak openly about their religious and political motives, and the absence of judgment makes their extremism hit harder. The contrast between armed settlers and vulnerable Palestinians speaks volumes.

This is a disturbing, essential documentary-one of Theroux's most powerful.