2023.07.28
non-psychic horror
The title of this film, "The The Innocents," is the same as the original title of the classic horror film "The Innocents" (61), directed by Jack Clayton and starring Deborah Kerr. From the title and plot, it is not difficult to imagine that this film focuses on depicting fear. However, surprisingly, Eskil Vogt himself said that he did not make this film with horror in mind.
"I didn't intend to write a pure horror story, nor did I intend to use the horror style while writing. Whether it's a human drama, a poetic story, or a suspense story, I focus on whether I like it, whether I find it really interesting, and then the story will make sense." (*)
It's true that this is not a straightforward psychic horror movie. It carefully avoids flashy visual effects of supernatural powers, and there are no jump scares to plunge the audience into the depths of fear. Rather, it has a documentary rawness, as if observing through the screen the appearance of children who are still unable to adapt to the world.
“The Innocents” ©Mer Film
This is also evident in the sound design. The sound of the trees rustling in the wind, the sound of the rain falling softly, The Birds singing, the laughter of children. The film is surrounded by various natural sounds that surround the housing complex. And the tone of the images. Horror films are often colored in cold, cool colors, but this film is colored in calm, warm colors. Eskil Vogt does not portray the children by only taking the dark side out of the picture. It seems like I've said it before, but they are beings that stand between good and evil.
He says that the inspiration for the story of "The Innocents" came from his new baby. He saw himself as a child in the clumsy but gradually trying to understand the world. It's a feeling that is also shared by "The Bee Whisperer" (1973) by Victor Erice and "Ponette " (1996) by Jacques Doillon, both of which he has publicly stated were inspirations for him.
"I felt a sense of happiness when I watched children, especially when they were still young and didn't know who they were." (*)
Filled with ominous omens, The Innocents also has an aspect of being a simple and sensitive human drama. It is this multifaceted nature that is the film's greatest appeal.
(*) Quoted from press materials
Text: Rui Takeshima
A pop culture writer who wants to be kicked by Hit Girl. Host of the web magazine "POP MASTER".
Pre-order "The Innocents" now
"The Innocents"
July 28th (Friday) Shinjuku Piccadilly and other nationwide releases
Provided by: Shochiku, Long Ride Distribution: Long Ride
© 2021 MER FILM, ZENTROPA SWEDEN, SNOWGLOBE, BUFO, LOGICAL PICTURES
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