The Innocents [Blu-ray]

Director: Eskil Vogt Eskil Vogt

Overview

In an idyllic Nordic village nestled deep in the wilderness, four unusual children bond during their summer holidays. As their friendship deepens, they soon discover their shared supernatural abilities and begin to hone their skills without the knowledge of the village elders. Yet what once started as an innocent child's play soon evolves into a sinister game that threatens the entirety of the village. Eskil Vogt writes and directs this horror film co-starring Rakel Lenora Fl?ttum, Alva Brynsmo Ramstad, and Sam Ashraf.

Product Details

Release Date:	10/18/2022
UPC:	0014381148213
Original Release:	2021
Rating:	NR
Source:	Ifc
Region Code:	A
Presentation:	[Wide Screen]
Sound:	[Dolby Digital 5.1 Surround]
Language:	English
Time:	1:57:00
Sales rank:	1,451

Special Features

1080p High-Definition; English Audio Description Track

Cast & Crew

Performance Credits

Rakel Lenora Fløttum	Ida
Alva Brynsmo Ramstad	Anna
Sam Ashraf	Ben
Mina Yasmin Bremseth Asheim	Aisha
Ellen Dorrit Petersen	Ida og Annas mor
Morten Svartveit	Ida og Annas far
Kadra Yusuf	Aishas mor
Lisa Tønne	Bens mor
Irina Eidsvold Tøien	Lege
Marius Kolbenstvedt	Mannen med stein
Kim Atle Hansen	Mannen ved døren
Nor Erik Vaagland Torgersen	14-åringen
Birgit Nordby	Kvinnen på broen
Georg Grøttjord-Glenne	Gutt som brekker beinet
Irina Eidsvold Toien	Lege
Pessi Levanto	Composer

Technical Credits

Eskil Vogt

Eskil Vogt	Screenwriter,Director
Dave Bishop	Executive Producer
Celine Dornier	Executive Producer
Axel Helgeland	Executive Producer
Eric Tavitian	Executive Producer
Maria Ekerhovd	Producer
Lillian Løvseth	Producer
Misha Jaari	Producer
Jesper Miller	Sound Editor
Vlad Taupesh	Special Effects
Gisle Tveito	Sound/Sound Designer
Mark Lwoff	Producer
Kjersti Paulsen	Casting
Lars Wignell	Sound Editor
Vidar Grande	Sound Editor
Gustaf Berger	Sound/Sound Designer,Sound Mixer
Emil Erikkson	Special Effects
Josef Rarach	Special Effects
Yvonne Stenberg	Sound Editor

Editorial Reviews

From the opening moments in The Innocents, director Eskil Vogt implements a haunting, unsettling style that sticks with you long after the credits roll. Vogt has a knack for developing an eerie setting; every scene is packed with unexplainable nerves and dread. The Innocents is not for everyone, as it is extremely disturbing in parts. Furthermore, the film's main cast is dominated by unassuming children that have a lot going on. These children play out a primal tale of good versus evil, utilizing their supernatural connections and telekinetic power. Vogt's second feature is challenging, terrifying, and engaging. The film isn't perfect though. Its slow-moving nature may put some off, and its overlying story may be too hard to watch. However, those who can endure the tension may find that The Innocents will stay with them for a long time. When Ida's (Rakel Lenora Fløttum) family moves into a new high rise, they spend the summer holiday getting acclimated to their new surroundings. Anna (Alva Brynsmo Ramstad), Ida's sister, was diagnosed with Autism at a young age and needs help exploring the neighborhood. Eventually, the sisters make a couple of friends, Ben (Sam Ashraf) and Aisha (Mina Yasmin Bremseth Asheim). The foursome quickly learn that they have a supernatural connection - they can hear each other through their thoughts and even manipulate objects through telekinesis. Eventually, some of Ben's inner demons bubble up to the surface, and the children must learn to harness their power before things get out of hand. At first glance, The Innocents may feel like an "X-Men junior," where kids discover, develop, and harness their powers. Vogt quickly steers this film in a different direction, focusing more on what unchecked power can do to completely innocent individuals. The Innocents will make viewers feel true hatred for some of the vile acts committed on screen. Amid all this hate, there is also a layer of hope and togetherness that is communicated through Vogt's subtleness. The performances in The Innocents are exactly what they need to be. The terror is enhanced through the camera, score, and long-drawn-out scenes of impending doom. Vogt has this fluid way of hinting what is about to happen, making one dread it for a few seconds, and then actually showing it. The film is full of these mini loops, culminating in a very stressful 117 minutes. The story does seem bloated for artistic effect, which can make some scenes drag, especially when the overarching plot is simple in premise. Moviegoers should not expect a light-hearted horror experience here. Vogt has made sure of that. The Innocents has the power to move, startle, and rattle audiences. There are no jump scares, no loud noises, and no cheap thrills; there is only a psychological unsettling that may take some time to lose its effect.