The Children of October 7

No one can deny the horror those children experienced, the fear, the absolute terror that unfolded and the evil unleashed upon them.

Their testimonies are really honest and brutal. Although the questions were walled in a carefully curated to create the documentary's almost railroaded narrative.

The supporters would say that their story needed to be told and it did. But it was extremely odd to entirely exclude the history of the conflict and the possible reasons for the attack. It weaponised their genuine suffering to try and portray an innocence for one side of the conflict which is simply not there.

This documentary could have been great at showing the terrible atrocities, but was undermined by its lack of honesty about the framing which was almost jarring in its short comings.

This movie is a must see for all. To take the time to meet each child and discuss their pain is commendable. History must be recorded. These innocent children are completely traumatized and we are grateful Montana was able to sit and share their stories. What these children endured and experienced is unbelievable and to be able to share it for the world to hear is very brave. With the antisemitism rising in the world and the hate that is spewed it is more important now to watch this movie and hear the stories from the young innocent children. A must see - thank you Montana for doing this much needed documentary.

I watched the documentary, expecting to see a full, balanced account of the events. But what I saw was a one-sided story - told neatly, emotionally, even powerfully - but from just one perspective. It followed the pain, confusion, and aftermath experienced by a group whose voices are often centered in global narratives. Their heartbreak was real. Their fear was genuine. Their tears were raw and human. And yet, the entire time, I couldn't stop thinking: what about the other side? What about those whose lives were shattered long before this story began? Whose daily suffering is rarely documented, let alone acknowledged?

As the film played, I kept waiting for a pivot - a moment where the camera might shift, just briefly, to those living on the other side of the fence, the wall, the checkpoint. But that moment never came. I kept waiting to hear about the families who have lost generations, the children who wake up to the sound of drones, the mothers who bury sons and daughters every week, the voices that are constantly silenced, labeled, or ignored. I wanted the documentary to be honest enough to say: yes, pain exists here - but it also exists there, perhaps even more deeply and consistently. But the story remained one-dimensional. Clean. Focused. Sanitized in a way that made it digestible to a mainstream audience - and convenient to ignore the larger context.

This omission wasn't accidental. It felt intentional. Because to tell the full story would require facing uncomfortable truths: truths about oppression, displacement, historical injustice, and decades of silent suffering. It would require acknowledging power dynamics, not just moments of grief. And maybe that's too much to ask from a single film. But if the intention was to educate, to humanize, to invite empathy - then empathy should not be selective. You don't get to center one group's fear while erasing another's trauma.

Deeply moving documentary that amplifies the voices of Israeli children who endured the horrors of the October 7 Hamas attack. Through raw, firsthand accounts, the film centers on their harrowing experiences of survival, captivity, and unimaginable loss, including witnessing parental deaths and home invasions, as activist Montana Tucker guides the conversations with empathy and sensitivity. The documentary's power lies in its unfiltered focus on resilience amid trauma, offering a platform for young survivors like Yael Idan and Ella Shani Kozin to recount their stories of hiding, escape, and enduring psychological scars. While the subject matter is undeniably distressing, the film avoids sensationalism, instead prioritizing the humanity and courage of its young subjects. It serves as a critical testament to the human toll of conflict, urging awareness of the ongoing impact on those who lived through the attacks.

A necessary but emotionally demanding watch.

Review: The Children of October 7

The director and his team have accomplished something truly extraordinary with The Children of October 7. This is not just a film - it's a testimony. It is a documentary that everyone on this planet needs to witness, no matter how difficult it may be to watch. What the creators have managed to capture is more than just a recounting of horrific events; they have provided a deeply human, sensitively portrayed account through the most fragile yet powerful lens imaginable - the eyes of the children who lived through it.

From the first moments of the film, it becomes clear that the crew approached the story with immense care and respect. The narrative never feels exploitative or forced. Instead, it allows the children's voices to carry the weight of their experiences, without unnecessary dramatization or emotional manipulation. This sensitive handling is present throughout the entire movie, even during the most harrowing moments when the stories being told are almost too painful to comprehend. The team's restraint and compassion are palpable, and it is what makes the documentary so impactful.

The children's testimonies are raw, honest, and heartbreakingly vivid. Listening to them recount what they saw, what they felt, and how their lives were shattered forces the audience to confront the human cost of tragedy in its purest form. These are not seasoned storytellers or trained actors - these are young souls trying to find words for experiences no one should ever have to endure. The sheer authenticity of their words and expressions leaves an indelible mark.

One of the most remarkable achievements of The Children of October 7 is its ability to balance unbearable sadness with dignity. The film does not fall into despair; it refuses to strip the children of their agency or their humanity. Instead, it highlights their resilience, their struggle to comprehend the incomprehensible, and in some cases, even their small sparks of hope. The documentary becomes not only a record of loss but also a tribute to the strength of the human spirit - particularly that of the youngest among us.

The cinematography and editing choices complement the tone perfectly. There are no flashy techniques or unnecessary embellishments; everything is crafted to keep the focus squarely on the children and their stories. Quiet shots, natural lighting, and moments of stillness give the film an authenticity that heightens its emotional power. Even the musical score is used sparingly and wisely, enhancing the emotional landscape without overwhelming it.

It is not an easy movie to watch - nor should it be. Some scenes are deeply unsettling, not because of any graphic imagery, but because of the raw emotional truths being shared. The bravery of these children, willing to open up their wounds in front of a camera, is nothing short of staggering. Equally brave are the filmmakers, who chose to sit with that pain, honor it, and share it with the world in the most respectful way possible.

The Children of October 7 is a film that demands reflection. It is a reminder of the real human beings behind the headlines and statistics. It insists that we see, listen, and remember - not just the events, but the lives altered forever. It is a film that calls for empathy, for action, and most of all, for remembrance.

In an age where desensitization to violence and tragedy is a real risk, this movie re-centers us on what truly matters: the human stories. The real faces. The innocent lives caught in the crossfire. It is an experience that will leave you shaken, humbled, and forever changed.

No words can truly do justice to what these children endured, but The Children of October 7 gives them the platform they deserve. And for that, we owe the director, the team, and most importantly, the children themselves, our deepest gratitude.

This is not just a film to watch - it is a film to bear witness to.