Roxanne Benjamin’s “There’s Something Wrong with the Children” is a horror film that delves into the eerie and unsettling world of childhood innocence gone awry. The movie, which premiered in 2023, has garnered a mix of reactions from audiences and critics alike, with some praising its conceptual strength and others pointing out its uneven execution.
The premise of the film is intriguing: two couples go on a camping trip, hoping to leave their problems behind. However, as it often happens, escaping reality is not that simple. The couples’ children, Lucy and Spencer, exhibit strange behaviors after disappearing into the woods, leading to suspicions of supernatural occurrences. This sets the stage for a psychological horror that explores the fears and anxieties of parenthood.
Critics have noted that the film’s setup is smart, using common anxieties about readiness for parenthood as a backdrop for the unfolding horror. The strongest part of the movie is said to be its midsection, where the tension builds as one character realizes something is terribly wrong, but no one believes him. This taps into a primal fear of isolation and disbelief, making the horror feel all the more personal and relatable.
However, the film has been criticized for taking too long to reach its climax and for rushing through some of its best moments. Some reviews suggest that the script might have been better suited for an anthology format rather than a full-length feature. The execution of the film’s ideas has been described as shoddy at times, with the final scenes not resonating as authentically human.
Despite these criticisms, “There’s Something Wrong with the Children” has its moments of brilliance. The acting, particularly from the adult cast, has been commended, and the film maintains entertainment value throughout its runtime. It may not satisfy those looking for hardcore horror, but it offers an amusing experience reminiscent of cult B movies.
In the Nutshell
“There’s Something Wrong with the Children” is a film that attempts to blend psychological horror with the complexities of adult relationships and mental health issues. While it may not have fully realized its potential, it provides enough chills and thrills to be a serviceable entry in the horror genre. For those interested in a horror movie that punches above its weight by doing the little things right, this film might just be worth the watch. [4 out of 5].
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Genre: Horror Thriller
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