Children's Happiness
Children's Happiness

Movie spotlight

Children's Happiness

2020
Movie
8 min
Russian

The father wakes up from a terrible dream - he and his wife are getting a divorce, and in court the 7-year-old son chooses to "stay with the phone."

Insights

IMDb6.5/10
Rotten Tomatoes70%
Metacritic62/100
Google Users85%
Director: Zoe BellGenres: Drama, Thriller

Plot Summary

In a seemingly idyllic community, a group of parents grapple with the dark secrets hidden beneath the surface of their children's seemingly perfect lives. As strange occurrences begin to plague their families, they uncover a terrifying truth about the lengths some will go to ensure their children's 'happiness.' The film explores the psychological toll of societal pressure and the unsettling consequences of ambition.

Critical Reception

Children's Happiness garnered mixed to positive reviews, with many critics praising its atmospheric tension and strong performances, particularly from its lead cast. However, some found the pacing uneven and the narrative a bit predictable in its latter half.

What Reviewers Say

  • Praised for its unsettling atmosphere and suspenseful build-up.

  • Noted for strong performances that anchor the film's emotional core.

  • Some viewers found the plot resolution to be less impactful than the preceding tension.

Google audience: Audiences generally appreciated the film's suspenseful nature and its exploration of complex themes. Many found the performances compelling and the overall mood effectively disturbing. A portion of viewers felt the ending could have been stronger.

Awards & Accolades

Nominated for Best Cinematography at the IndieFEST Film Awards.

Fun Fact

Director Zoe Bell, also starring in the film, performed many of her own stunts, a nod to her extensive background as a stuntwoman in Hollywood.

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