Indeed, what adult would be capable of taking the life of a young human being, even if their life depended on it? And would you be able to believe that a child could casually murder an adult in the name of "play"? Those are questions that this Spanish entry into the "killer kids" genre poses. It's likely to remind viewers of the more famous "Children of the Corn", although this film predates CotC (the movie, anyway) by eight years. The acting is generally sound, with the youthful co-stars giving very enthusiastic performances. The atmosphere and sense of isolation that the setting generates are palpable, and the filmmakers, led by screenplay writer / director Narciso Ibanez Serrador, are never afraid to be as grim and gory as possible. In fact, once this is all over, one may feel as if they've been punched in the gut. The story does fall prey to clichés (the couple fails to get out while the getting is good, and one of them doesn't disclose the dire nature of the situation to the other right away), but overall this is good stuff.
Amiable British married couple Tom (played by Australian Lewis Fiander, "Dr. Jekyll and Sister Hyde") and Evelyn (Prunella Ransome, "Far from the Madding Crowd") are in Spain on vacation away from the rest of their family. Tom gets the idea to visit the nearby island of Almanzora, which he has been to before. However, an eerie scenario greets them upon their arrival: the place seems to be deserted except for the children. Where are the adults? Well, it's not hard to guess as these kids seem to have caught some sort of madness that's inspired them to develop a sadistic sense of "play". Although their response is too slow, Tom and Evelyn do eventually realize that they have to get the Hell out of Dodge.
There's a potent level of gore in the unrated version of this twisted tale. The audience should be aware that the filmmakers do not consider the children off limits and show that one of their characters will be capable of fighting back. Technically, this is well made; it starts out like a travelogue, and gets appropriately intense once it segues into the story proper. Serrador is *very* deliberate with the pacing and less than patient viewers may wish that the storytelling was tighter. Still, there's something to be said for the way that Serrador eases you into this and then drops the horror elements on you with great force. Much like many other 1970s offerings, the film is notable for its willingness to be downbeat.
If you're a fan of killer kiddies cinema, give this overlooked little film a look. It's worth the effort.
Seven out of 10.
Amiable British married couple Tom (played by Australian Lewis Fiander, "Dr. Jekyll and Sister Hyde") and Evelyn (Prunella Ransome, "Far from the Madding Crowd") are in Spain on vacation away from the rest of their family. Tom gets the idea to visit the nearby island of Almanzora, which he has been to before. However, an eerie scenario greets them upon their arrival: the place seems to be deserted except for the children. Where are the adults? Well, it's not hard to guess as these kids seem to have caught some sort of madness that's inspired them to develop a sadistic sense of "play". Although their response is too slow, Tom and Evelyn do eventually realize that they have to get the Hell out of Dodge.
There's a potent level of gore in the unrated version of this twisted tale. The audience should be aware that the filmmakers do not consider the children off limits and show that one of their characters will be capable of fighting back. Technically, this is well made; it starts out like a travelogue, and gets appropriately intense once it segues into the story proper. Serrador is *very* deliberate with the pacing and less than patient viewers may wish that the storytelling was tighter. Still, there's something to be said for the way that Serrador eases you into this and then drops the horror elements on you with great force. Much like many other 1970s offerings, the film is notable for its willingness to be downbeat.
If you're a fan of killer kiddies cinema, give this overlooked little film a look. It's worth the effort.
Seven out of 10.