During the bright Nordic summer, a group of children reveals their dark and mysterious powers when the adults aren’t looking. In this original and gripping supernatural thriller, playtime takes a dangerous turn.
Eskil Vogt, who co-wrote the brilliant “Worst Person in the World” and the equally interesting “Thelma,” strikes a chord with a thoughtful and intriguing fantasy-horror. In a world where parents are absent, the laws of nature rule.
After moving to a new town with her family, Ida (Rakel Lenora Fløttum) is a curious child who brushes with acts of cruelty. Her special needs sister Anna (Alva Brynsmo Ramstad), is the target of Ida’s secret pinching and other diabolical pranks. Anna is nonverbally autistic, and Ida struggles with the responsibility of being a caretaker at such a young age.
Ida quickly befriends the children who live in her massive apartment complex. Her new friends wield special powers like telekinesis, healing wounds, and telepathy. Aisha (Mina Yasmin Bremseth Asheim), a healer, is kind and empathetic, while Benjamin is a psychotic supervillain in the making. Ida’s mother does her best to parent but mostly gives her youngest daughter free range with her vulnerable sister.
Although its first act is a bit tough to stomach, it is completely enthralling after the story gets moving. Watching the children discover their true powers during intense playtime reminds us how the formulaic Marvel movies are always playing it safe. With subtle superpowers and exceptional performances, “The Innocents” is one of the most touching horror films this year.
In Theaters and On-Demand Friday, May 13th
