The Innocents

Are you tired of the conventional "horror/thriller" movies? Then this one might be for you. It is by no means scary at any time, but it surely pushes the boundaries of what you expect to see in a movie, where children are the lead characters, this might upset your stomach at times, but this provocative choice is by design.

The supernatural/abnormal aspects are never fully explained though, which shouldnt be an issue in a fantasy scifi genre, but at least a small attempt towards some concept justification would have been desired. Still a very gripping film to watch, which could have been 20mins shorter to get a better score!

How would you feel, if your desires could be real, if what you wished for just came true, if what you thought, your friends knew too; how would you behave, knowing the world could be your slave, influencing what folks do, knowing they didn't have a clue.

It's all a bit Carrie lite, and it's definitely not a horror film but more an expression of the feelings of children in a world that has been unable to provide a slice in their life that aligns with their expectations. Hormonal rage and retribution, the chaos of growing up, the growing pains and misinterpretations, the immaturity and the fears of a child - don't take it too literally, unless of course you're of a certain age.

It took me a while to decide whether I liked it or not. I guess it's one of those movies that are just... fine. I don't feel like I wasted my time but it didn't leave me thinking "what a great movie" either.

De uskyldige (The Innocents) is an atmospheric, nicely shot slow burner that ultimately fails to justify its demanding 117-minute running time. The first half is quite slow, with little narrative substance and virtually no dialogue - just children being mean and creepy - so that by the end of the first hour it begins to drag. The pace eventually picks up over the last 40 minutes, which are delightfully tense and suspenseful and manage to keep you on the edge of your seat with some great spooky (and gruesome) scenes, but at this point it feels like too little too late. Nice cinematography and sound that enhance the eerie overtone of the movie; the kids' acting is excellent.

Overall, a nice suspense/supernatural flick with a nordic vibe going on (one can't help but think of von Trier's similar nordic oddity Riget). I just think it could have used a bit more plot and a shorter runtime.

There are certain things that are just plain horrible. But not far removed from ... reality. I mean characters - or how certain kids act and react. Testing things out - doing stuff that can be considered evil by any moral compass and code.

Having said that, this takes this evil to another level. Not to mention that the movie is ... quite fantastical. There are things here - that kids fantasize about ... but never really happen (at least not in our universe). The kids are not all alright ... but they are phenomenal when it comes to the acting. Which is pivotal, considering they are the main actors here. Beautifully shot, edited and a really good sound design, help the movie to reach and hold the viewers attention ... and then some. Certain scenes may be too graphic - but also quite a punch in the gut for some viewers. The movie is relentless ... and does not hold back ...

Premise of horror films are being experimented throughout but this one is audaciously unique in style and approach. Vogt's supernatural tale is gruesome,disturbing but still an investing watch. In the final moments of the film,it's impossible not to be glued on the screen. The performances,cinematography,direction are top notch.