The Innocents (2021)

Jun 15

Original organic storytelling of what happens when children are bestowed supernatural power.

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.

Story:

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. 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.