The Innocents (2021)
When innocent children develop telekinesis.
Presentation:
The film is gorgeous utilizing mostly natural lighting with film magic. If you enjoyed Let the Right One In, this Nordic horror thriller will be right up your alley. The children are perfectly cast and you never once think they are professional actors, you really feel like you are naturally watching supernatural events unfold. The only problem is the pacing can be painfully slow. The story is very well done, evoking a sense of innocence and nostalgia. It should bring you back to earlier memories of childhood, causing trouble and running around playing with sticks. However you don't have the precocious dialogue of Wes Anderson films, this one feels organic, making a slow pacing more realistic for this style of film.
Conclusion:
A fantastic story, though very slow, rewards you with a powerful conclusion perhaps revisiting your own childhood. Supernatural elements are told in such a captivating way and you really love all the childrens despite their shortcomings. It's so poignant because you understand why the events unfolded as this is also a psychological study and really accurate representation of children. It's such a beautifully told story with creative and rewarding cinematography that doesn't just explicitly give you everything. The film successfully makes you subscribe to the notion that children really are never to blame requiring guidance, and yet you realize that right and wrong are more complicated when it comes to innocence. I can’t stop comparing this to Harry Potter, and I think the audiences could be similar. Perhaps it’s more like Chronicle but with European sensibilities. There are some dramatic confrontations but overall it’s a refreshing take with organic perspectives that makes this a special watch.
Recommendations
Sins of the führer.