Written and Directed by Eskil Vogt
Starring Rakel Lenora Fløttum, Alva Brynsmo Ramstad, Sam Ashraf, Mina Yasmin Bremseth Asheim and Ellen Dorrit Petersen

From writer and director Eskil Vogt, one of two Oscar-nominated writers of 2021’s irresistibly exuberant The Worst Person in the World comes a dark turn in childhood playtime. 

During a Nordic summer, 9-year-old Ida (Rakel Lenora Fløttum) and her autistic older sister Anna (Alva Brynsmo Ramstad) are exploring their new surroundings and make friends with a couple of local kids, Ben (Sam Ashraf) and Aisha (Mina Yasmin Bremseth Asheim). Ida and Ben’s early bond revolves around physical bullying while Aisha discovers a unique and harmless way to connect with Anna. When the group of four discover they have mysterious and special powers, they curiously test their newfound abilities in nearby forests and playgrounds behind the backs of their parents. Their innocent leisure time together grows dangerous when Ida and Ben openly exhibit cruel tendencies. 

I need to start by saying I just LOVE this film’s poster! It’s not only artfully creative and extremely eye-catching, but also symbolic for the lives that will indeed be turned upside down by the use, or rather misuse, of the thoughtfully conceived and developed powers that these children possess. We’re so used to seeing the wonders and atrocities performed by teenagers and adults who harness superhuman abilities in various films, so this take where young children are the lead is refreshing and it is haunting. Overall, The Innocents is a slow paced and memorable supernatural dramatic thriller with eerie presence and strong acting performances from the young and inexperienced cast. Their very natural ability to outwardly convey inner thoughts and temperament with clarity and especially at times without a single word spoken is impressive as it is disturbing. Only my sheer interest in the psychological aspects of films, and in particular ones such as this, left me seeking more from the triggers resulting in such destructive behaviour than Eskil Vogt believes there to be in his film. 

On a side note, readers and potential viewers may appreciate being warned of a confronting scene depicting animal cruelty.

The Innocents is showing in selected cinemas across Australia from May 19th.

Moviedoc thanks Rialto Distribution and Annette Smith: Ned & Co for providing a screener link to watch and review this film.

Review by Leigh for Moviedoc

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