5.9
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The Children fingerprint
High energy, strong craft, emotionally cool.
Energy
Nerve-racking and scary
Fast from start to finish.
- Tension9
- Scare8
- Fast Pace8
Heart
Moving
Much of it is about family.
- Family Dynamics8
- Pathos7
- Melancholy6
Humor
Serious throughout
- Physical Comedy2
- Wit & Wordplay1
- Situational Comedy0
World
Everyday modern life, family, and the mind
- World Immersion7
- Novelty7
- Dialogue Centrality6
Craft
Solid, not remarkable
- Direction7
- Acting7
- Narrative Structure7
Style
Functional look and sound
- Editing7
- Sound Centrality7
- Cinematography6
Energy
HighNerve-racking and scary
Fast from start to finish.
The Children is nerve-racking, scary, and fast-paced.
All energy traits
- Tension9Edge-of-your-seat suspense and pressure.
- Scare8Frightening moments and scares.
- Fast Pace8Quick tempo and momentum.
- Violence8Physical conflict and intensity.
- Adrenaline7High-energy, pulse-pounding intensity.
- Spectacle5Scale and set-piece grandeur.
Related traits
- Bleakness9Grim, stark outlooks.
- Uncanny8Eerie, unsettling strangeness.
- Grotesque6Macabre, distorted imagery.
Heart
NoneMoving
Much of it is about family.
Emotionally, it's moving. Much of it is about family.
All heart traits
- Family Dynamics8Relationships and generational ties.
- Pathos7Deeply moving, empathetic emotion.
- Melancholy6Bittersweet, reflective sadness.
- Catharsis3Emotional release and payoff.
- Wholesome1Heartwarming, uplifting feelings.
- Hopefulness1Optimism and uplifting resolve.
- Romance0Love stories and emotional connections.
- Nostalgia0Warmth of memory and retro vibes.
- Coming of Age0Personal growth and self-discovery.
- Wonder0Awe, discovery, and amazement.
Related traits
- Bleakness9Grim, stark outlooks.
- Character Depth7Rich, complex characterization.
Humor
NoneSerious throughout
Expect almost no humor.
All humor traits
- Physical Comedy2Slapstick and visual gags.
- Wit & Wordplay1Clever dialogue and verbal humor.
- Situational Comedy0Humor from everyday scenarios and setups.
- Cringe Humor0Awkward, uncomfortable laughs.
- Absurdist Humor0Surreal, nonsensical comedy.
- Satire & Parody0Sharp critique and playful imitation.
- Dark Humor0Humor from taboo or grim topics.
World
MediumEveryday modern life, family, and the mind
Its world is built around everyday modern life, family, and the mind.
All world traits
- World Immersion7Depth and sensory richness of setting.
- Novelty7Fresh ideas and invention.
- Dialogue Centrality6Stories driven by conversation.
- Ambiguity4Open-endedness and uncertainty.
- Rewatchability3Invites repeat viewing.
Related traits
- Contemporary Realism9Modern, grounded storytelling.
- Psychological8Inner worlds and mind games.
- Social Commentary6Perspectives on society and norms.
Craft
HighSolid, not remarkable
The craft is serviceable rather than remarkable.
All craft traits
- Direction7Vision and command behind the camera.
- Acting7Performance craft and presence.
- Narrative Structure7Story architecture and form.
- Character Depth7Rich, complex characterization.
- Intrigue7Curiosity and investigative pull.
- Dialogue Quality6Sharp writing and memorable lines.
- Complexity4Layered plots and ideas.
- Non-linear Narrative1Time-shifts and structure play.
- Meta Narrative0Stories about storytelling.
Related traits
- Fast Pace8Quick tempo and momentum.
- Novelty7Fresh ideas and invention.
Style
MediumFunctional look and sound
The look and sound stay functional.
All style traits
- Editing7Pacing and structure through cuts.
- Sound Centrality7Sound design as core element.
- Cinematography6Visual composition and camera work.
- Music Composition6Score and musical identity.
- Music Centrality6The score or soundtrack shapes the emotional experience.
- Visual Stylization5Distinctive aesthetic signature.
Related traits
- Grotesque6Macabre, distorted imagery.
- Dialogue Centrality6Stories driven by conversation.
- Spectacle5Scale and set-piece grandeur.
Who it's for
AdultsFriends NightPartner WatchSolo WatchBinge-Friendly
Skip it if
You want something to laugh atYou need an uplifting moodGraphic violence bothers youYou scare easily
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About
You brought them into this world. Now ... They will take you out.
A relaxing Christmas vacation turns into a terrifying fight for survival as the children begin to turn on their parents.
Psychological HorrorHome InvasionFamily Under SiegeUnsettling PremiseBleak SurvivalChildren as VillainsIntense ThrillerDisturbing & ViolentChristmas Gone Wrong
Actors
Crew
Directed by:
Written by:
Produced by:
Composed by:
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Sequels and Prequels
No sequels or prequels available
Media
Questions about The Children
Quick answers from GoodWatch data.
Is The Children worth watching?
66
GoodGoodWatch scoreMostly. It's well received, with a GoodWatch score of 66/100 (IMDb 5.9 and Rotten Tomatoes 76%). The GoodWatch score combines critic and audience ratings.
What is The Children rated?
RViolenceDisturbing imagery
It's rated R in the United States. Content advisories: violence and disturbing imagery.
How long is The Children?
1 h 24 min
The Children runs 1 h 24 min.
Do critics and audiences agree on The Children?
Critics76
Audiences55
Not quite. Critics rate The Children higher (76) than audiences (55). It may be more rewarding than it is crowd-pleasing.
What language is The Children in?
English
It was made in English. Produced in United Kingdom.
In how many countries can I watch The Children?
11
GoodWatch finds legal streaming, rental, or purchase options for The Children in 11 countries. Pick any of them in Where to Watch to see the local services.
What tropes does The Children use?
Screw This, I'm Outta Here!Bolivian Army EndingWorf Had the FluTwisted ChristmasBilingual BonusDowner EndingPervert DadForeshadowingCreepy DollThe ScapegoatWouldn't Hurt a ChildCreepy Childand 26 more
TV Tropes lists 38 storytelling tropes for The Children, including Screw This, I'm Outta Here!, Bolivian Army Ending, Worf Had the Flu.