There's Something Wrong with the Children

There's Something Wrong with the Children is a chilling psychological horror film released in 2023, directed by Roxanne Benjamin. Known for her ability to weave suspenseful narratives, Benjamin crafts a haunting tale that explores themes of childhood innocence, parental responsibility, and the terror that often lies within seemingly idyllic settings. The film boasts a compelling cast, featuring Alisha Wainwright, Amanda Crew, and Carlos Santos, who deliver strong performances that amplify the unsettling atmosphere.

The story follows two couples, Ben and Margaret, played by Carlos Santos and Alisha Wainwright, and their friends, Ellie and Thomas, portrayed by Amanda Crew and an undisclosed actor. The film kicks off with the four friends embarking on a weekend retreat to a secluded cabin in the woods, eager to escape the chaos of their daily lives and reconnect with one another. The picturesque location is layered with an air of nostalgia and promise, as laughter and warmth fill the spaces of their temporary home. However, as night descends, an uneasy tension begins to undermine their peaceful respite.

Things take a turn when the couples' children, who are largely in the background during the initial buildup, begin to exhibit strange behaviors that intrigue and unsettle the adults. The film gradually teeters on a fine balance between the innocence of childhood and the potential for darkness lurking within. As Ben and Margaret attempt to navigate the bizarre happenings surrounding their children, they are forced to confront the fragility of their own relationships and the deeper fears that bind them.

Roxanne Benjamin expertly uses cinematography and sound design to create an unnerving atmosphere throughout the film. The woods surrounding the cabin, once enchanting, morph into a suffocating labyrinth filled with ominous presences. The sounds of rustling leaves, cracks of twigs, and the eerie silence punctuated by distant whispers envelop the viewer, amplifying the mounting dread. Benjamin’s direction reflects her gift for building tension, as scenes inch toward an unsettling crescendo without relying heavily on overt horror tropes.

The film delves into the psychological complexity of its characters, particularly focusing on the couples' dynamics. Wainwright and Crew deliver powerhouse performances that carefully depict the strains of parenthood and friendship. Their characters grapple with the challenges of raising children in an increasingly unpredictable world, leading to moments of vulnerability that resonate with audiences. As they confront the changes in their children, the film raises poignant questions about trust, fear, and the sometimes-blurred lines between the two.

As the narrative unfolds, there's an underlying sense of impending doom that permeates every interaction and decision made by the characters. The film skillfully builds suspense through subtle foreshadowing and mysterious occurrences, leaving viewers on edge. It's not long before the couples find themselves ensnared in a web of escalating paranoia, with the children's peculiar behaviors leading to a complete unraveling of their once-stable lives.

Amidst the psychological tension, There's Something Wrong with the Children also explores the bond between parents and children, highlighting the innate protective instincts that drive adults to question everything when it comes to their offspring. As the parents become increasingly alarmed by their children's erratic behavior, their sense of helplessness resonates deeply, tapping into a primal fear shared by many: the fear of losing control over the safety and well-being of one’s own children.

Moreover, the film doesn't shy away from exploring the theme of isolation. The secluded setting serves as a character unto itself, amplifying the characters' sense of alienation as they drift further into a reality that becomes harder to comprehend. This isolation not only reflects the physical distance from the outside world but also symbolizes the psychological barriers that individuals erect when faced with terrifying uncertainty.

Throughout the film, viewers are drawn into an intricate mystery. The narrative raises questions that linger long after the credits roll: What truly happens to children when they seem to wander off into the unknown? How can parents grapple with the fears that eclipse their sense of understanding about their own children? As tensions escalate in the storyline, the characters are pushed to their limits as they confront not only the strange occurrences surrounding them but also the darkness that exists within themselves.

There's Something Wrong with the Children stands out in the genre of psychological horror, merging familial drama with supernatural intrigue. It transcends clichéd horror tropes by grounding its narrative in authentic emotional experiences, making it a compelling watch for anyone interested in the complexities of relationships and the nature of fear. With its impressive performances and skillful storytelling, the film is bound to leave audiences captivated, pondering the unsettling question of what happens when innocence becomes tainted by the shadows lurking just beneath the surface.