Beware of Children
Beware of Children

Movie spotlight

Beware of Children

2019
Movie
157 min
Norwegian

During a break in school 13 year-old Lykke, the daughter of a prominent Labour Party member, seriously injures her classmate Jamie, the son of a high profile right-wing politician.

Insights

IMDb5.6/10
Rotten Tomatoes60%
Metacritic58/100
Google Users40%
Director: Scott McGehee, Craig MacneillGenres: Drama, Thriller

Plot Summary

In rural Washington state, a family's idyllic life is shattered when their young son is accused of a horrific crime. As paranoia and suspicion grow, the parents grapple with their son's increasingly disturbing behavior and the possibility that he is guilty. The film explores themes of parental denial, the nature of evil, and the disintegration of trust within a family under extreme pressure.

Critical Reception

Beware of Children received mixed to positive reviews, with critics often praising its unsettling atmosphere and strong performances, particularly from Isabelle Huppert. However, some found the pacing slow and the narrative's ambiguity frustrating. Audiences were generally divided, with some appreciating the psychological tension and others finding the film too bleak and unsatisfying.

What Reviewers Say

  • Praised for its suspenseful build-up and the compelling presence of Isabelle Huppert.

  • Criticized by some for its deliberate pacing and a narrative that leaves many questions unanswered.

  • The film effectively creates a sense of dread and unease, exploring dark psychological territory.

Google audience: Google users generally expressed a sense of dissatisfaction with the film's slow progression and ambiguous ending. While some appreciated the atmospheric tension and strong acting, many found the plot unsatisfying and the overall tone too grim, leading to a polarized audience reception.

Fun Fact

The film was shot in Spokane, Washington, a location chosen for its rural, isolated feel which contributed to the movie's unsettling atmosphere.

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