Film Review: The Innocents

It’s not that I don’t like horror, it’s just not the first genre I’m attracted to when it comes to viewing. There is a thrill I enjoy in being scared, though, and when you find the right film, that feeling sticks with you long after the bright screen surrenders to black. For me, those are the heady horror/thrillers, the ones with an underlying allegory, and if I’m being an honest film snob, most of them are European. That’s why I seized the opportunity to view and review the new Norwegian film by writer-director Eskil Vogt, The Innocents.

The Innocents is a multi-genre film (horror, drama, fantasy) that unfolds in a semi-desolate apartment complex during the summer holiday. Due to her father’s new job, Ida (Rakel Lenora Flottam) and her family move to a new town, leaving her old world for a new uncomfortable one. It’s hard finding friends when all the kids are on holiday, but she and her autistic sister Anna (Alva Brynsmo Ramstad) manage to befriend a few kids left behind. In typical kids' fashion, they pair off, Ida weaving her afternoons with Ben (Sam Ashraf) and Anna gravitating towards Aisha (Mina Yasmin Bremseth Asheim). It’s not long, however, that they all realize they are stronger together, and a mysterious supernatural world opens up to these unexacting adolescents. 

From the onslaught, the audience feels something is off in Ida’s new environment. Between the desolated complex with children on the loose and the unsettling music, Vogt does a wonderful job creating a tone of unease. While this is supposed to take place during the summer holiday, the dreary color palette tips its hats to the sinister elements at bay. The tension is palatable, and you know you are not prepared for the rollercoaster ahead. The Innocents beautifully blends the preparation for suspense with the understated genius of anticipation. That is, however, until one particularly uncomfortable scene sets the dark designs into motion.

Just as the true horror elements begin to arrive, the audience bears witness to a disturbing scene involving a small household animal. To be fair, it was disturbing to me, but might not be that difficult for others to witness, especially considering the genre of film we are watching. As a storyteller and avid film fan, I understand the importance of this scene. It does, in fact, serve that purpose well. The trajectory this scene kicks off in The Innocents continues to progress the story along, I respect its inclusion. However, the cord that severed within me influenced my view of the character in question for the remainder of the film, which I believe was also the point. This might be one of those differences between European and American films that truly emphasizes the dark accents of thrillers, whereas the former take more liberties with the show don’t tell aspect of filmmaking. I wish this scene happened off-screen, but I recognize the reason and why I believe this film is so unsettling.

The unpleasant animal scene wasn’t the only facet that added to The Innocents longing effect on my psyche. I feeling of unease that boils to the surface is intense when there are scenes between Flottum, Ramstad, Ashraf, and Asheim. (Side Note: This is a close second is Lina Leandersson from Let the Right One In, and only because she’s supposed to be an unsettling child vampire.) I had to remind myself several times that these were child actors, for they felt like you were watching a documentary of real children with unexplained powers. That prospect is also terrifying, but the effortless talent these actors possess is mind boggling. It’s because of these magnificent actors that the audience is hypnotized by Vogt’s film. These are actors whose careers I will be following from now on.

Above everything, though, for me, the most powerful element of The Innocents and what Vogt created was that there was no explanation of the cosmic events that took place. Without knowing a definitive answer our minds took us into an investigation for the truth, which sometimes is more disturbing and creative than what can be presented to us. The personal touch the audience is allowed to include made it all too real for our senses. In a film age where origin stories seem to saturate our cinemas, it’s refreshing to submerge ourselves in the present and future without worrying about the past.

There is a multitude of elements that lead to a satisfying viewing of The Innocents, all of which I appreciated and enjoyed. As difficult as it was to watch that one scene, I’m glad I powered through its minimal screen time. I understand its inclusion, and in retrospect took it to heart more than I needed to. Then again, fans of the genre will be one step ahead of me, and wouldn’t skip a beat in their enjoyment. The fluid exploration within this thriller created an unsettling yet entertaining film many will rightfully enjoy.

The Innocents is available at selected theaters and everyone for rent on Friday, May 13th.

Written by Lisa M Mejia
Images provided by IFC Films