US film makers are very hesitant to show violence against children, which is understandable movie taboo, so to have a British film that is all about violent children meeting violent ends is an unusual find, and "The Children" is such a movie. The violence is expertly alluded to and not actually shown in most moments during this film, but it leaves the viewer feeling that they've seen more than they have. The horror of course comes from seeing your children trying to kill you and having little choice but to react violently in return. At 85 minutes, the movie is a brisk and well-paced thrill ride.
Elaine and Jonah, along with their young children Miranda and Paulie, are going to spend the New Year's Eve holiday with Elaine's sisters' family. Elaine's oldest daughter Casey is also brought along against her will; she would rather spend the time with her friends rather than a group of young rowdy kids. They soon arrive at Chole and Robbie's house, and they and their two children come out to welcome everyone. Paulie, the youngest amongst the children, vomits as he gets out of the car but Elaine believes its due to motion sickness. Over the first night, all of the young children become sick, looking pale and acting oddly.
First the family cat goes missing, but the adults don't notice. Then during lunch, Miranda unexpectedly attacks her aunt. Robbie quickly takes the other kids outside to deescalate the situation while Jonah takes Miranda upstairs. While outside, Robbie's son Nicky sets up a garden rake in the way of Robbie's sled. Robbie is fatally injured and the children run into the forest during the chaos. Casey was in the forest, trying to sneak off to a party when Robbie is hurt, and sees Leah laughing and cutting something bloody.
As the four children attack the three adults and Casey, they are forced to fight back or get killed by their loved ones. Blame is quickly appointed at each other. Jonah thinks Casey is to blame, while Aunt Chloe thinks her sister and Casey have gone insane and that the children are not at fault. Eventually Elain and Casey try to escape by driving away, but not before Casey begins showing the tale tell signs of the illness the young ones had.
No comments:
Post a Comment