Film Review: Children of Men

“Last one to die, please turn off the lights.”

This line of graffiti seen during Children of Men actually tells a lot about the film. In the often-visited not-too-distant future, women have lost the ability to give birth. Obviously the eventual outcome is the end of our race, but humans have accepted this fact and choose to live out what little time their species has left. Of course should things just become too much, the government has begun to issue suicide pills for those who just want to leave quickly and quietly.

This bleak outlook is the setting for Children of Men, directed by Alfonso Cuarón. The hopeless future is painted with drab buildings, and war-torn towns. Everything in this world is oddly familiar, as Cuarón’s attention to detail and realism makes his world seem plausible. Just like the main character, Theo (Clive Owen), the audience is sucked into a journey that grabs them and refuses to let go.

This journey is the essence of the movie. The character development is not the focus, and therefore it is a credit to all the actors that we are able to understand each of them without extensive investigation into their background. Instead the focus is the adventure that Theo takes across his devastated world, and it is a gripping tale that astounds from start to finish. The story may be on the lighter side, but only because it is unconventional. The world is the story, and since we almost live there it can be understood through subtleties.

Flawless from a technical standpoint, the camerawork is simply sublime. Not only are things skillfully done, but they also serve the purpose of bringing the viewer into a scene in a raw and unflinching manner. Each scene has a distinct mood created by both sight and sound. Children of Men is an emotionally charged, stunning film that should not be missed. Save a few slow points, it will touch you, and then blow you away.

9/10