Airdrie & Coatbridge Advertiser
Low key powers lead to high drama
Nordic chiller is sinister and stunning
Norwegian Eskil Vogt’s second feature-length flick is a creepy delight.
While you’ll spot influences from the likes of Village of the Damned, Chronicle, Carrie and X-men, The Innocents defies conventions to stand on its own small feet.
Vogt’s story sees a group of children reveal their dark and mysterious powers during a bright Nordic summer.
Some people get turned off by movies with subtitles but don’t let that prevent you from immersing yourself in Vogt’s everyday world hiding otherworldly secrets.
Choosing to film in the bright sunshine of the summer differentiates his film from fellow Scandinavian horror Let the Right One In, and makes the chilling consequences of the youngsters’ powers even more visually clear, unexpected and fearless.
The cast of kids are wonderful, with no weak links among the central quartet. Alva Brynsmo Ramstad plays the non-verbal autistic Anna beautifully, while Rakel Lenora Fløttum combines jealousy, nastiness, wonder and guilt to expert effect as her sister Ida.
Mina Yasmin Bremseth Asheim (Aisha) features in a smaller but crucial role and Sam Ashraf (Ben) develops into one of the finest low-key villains of all time.
There are adult actors too, however this is very much the youngsters’ show which makes it extra terrifying when you realise no-one is going to get them out of the frightening situations they find themselves in.
The build-up to the discovery of their powers is slow – maybe too slow for some – and when they are eventually unleashed, don’t expect X-men style face-offs with heavy use of CGI.
That doesn’t mean to say you won’t be surprised or dazzled by their use; the finale is a masterclass in facial expressions, the oblivious nature of modern society and the ramifications of selfish actions.
The kids aren’t alright in a stunning, sinister supernatural Nordic treat that rewards your patience through mindblowing young actors and shockingly simple-yet-devastating powers.
●Are you a fan of watching movies with subtitles? What is your favourite nonenglish language flick?
Pop me an email at ian.bunting@ reachplc.com and I will pass on your comments – and any movie or TV show recommendations you have – to your fellow readers.