The Children

An almost surprisingly good, oppressive and atmospheric horror film about what happens when an unknown parasite turns little, annoying bastards into little, annoying and life threatening bastards. Originally, I expected something like a rip-off of last year’s (and also British) Eden Lake, but fortunately, The Children take that premise in a completely different way. The story does have some holes in the logic, but I felt really tense almost throughout, and even scared during the most intense scenes. The atmosphere reminded me of classics like Who Can Kill a Child? or The Brood, which should be endorsement enough for a film. 85% Horror movie of the year (28/03/2009)

An unparalleled genre delicacy. It's hard to say whether the director is a genius or a madman, but the way he coaches the little killers is absolutely perfect. The Christmas spirit takes over at the family lunch when someone gets stabbed with a fork for the first time and from then on, Shankland collects only bonus points. I haven't seen something so nerve-wracking and physically uncomfortable in years. The moment the viewer rises above the questions of "why and how?", they must inevitably BELIEVE that the children are capable of it, just as the parents' motives are understandable. I’m still getting over it. 4 ½. (11/10/2009)