The Innocents (2021)
Kids can be cruel and frightening, and while we usually talk about kids as basically innocent, this film tries to challenge that to great effect with its suffocating and oppressive atmosphere. What happens in the film is effective horror in its own right, but I think it also is a reflection of the difference between how kids and adults see the world. Especially the gap with what the adults don’t understand.
I am really impressed with how well this film works, especially given the challenges of working with kid actors - and in a film that is definitely not suitable for young kids. It is a rare thing to see in horror like this. Let the Right One In is the only thing that comes to mind here. That said, the film doesn’t quite reach the higher levels of greatness as it does become a bit aimless and too long. A little tightening up could really have improved things.
Rating: 4