In the psychological horror filmThere’s Something Wrong with the Children, audiences are invited into a disturbing world where innocence turns into menace and family vacations unravel into nightmares. This eerie tale explores how easily trust can be shattered when familiar faces become sources of terror. With a growing sense of unease, the story challenges the assumption that children are always harmless, presenting a chilling narrative that leaves viewers questioning what they know about those closest to them. The film is an unsettling blend of supernatural mystery and psychological tension, ideal for horror fans looking for something more than jump scares.
Overview of the Film
There’s Something Wrong with the Childrenis a horror-thriller directed by Roxanne Benjamin and written by T.J. Cimfel and David White. It was released in 2023 as part of the Blumhouse Television and Epix original slate. The film centers on two couples on a weekend getaway who must face the terrifying realization that something is deeply wrong with the children in their group. The narrative escalates into psychological horror as strange behavior begins to surface and logic starts to break down.
Plot Summary
The story follows Margaret and Ben, a couple vacationing with their longtime friends Ellie and Thomas, who bring their two children along. The group retreats to a remote cabin near a forest and an abandoned military fort. During a daytime hike, the children discover a mysterious pit hidden in the woods. After this encounter, their behavior begins to change, becoming increasingly erratic and unnerving. As the adults begin to suspect that something malevolent is influencing the kids, the line between reality and delusion starts to blur, especially for Ben, who seems to be the only one noticing the danger.
- Children begin to display disturbing, emotionless behavior
- Ben suspects supernatural influence but is gaslit by others
- The adults’ relationships become strained under the stress
- The children’s actions turn deadly as the story unfolds
The movie uses the children’s transformation to amplify suspense and paranoia, making it an intense viewing experience from beginning to end.
Thematic Exploration
This horror story doesn’t rely solely on supernatural scares. It taps into deeper psychological themes about trust, parenthood, responsibility, and mental health. One of the key concepts explored is gaslighting where Ben’s legitimate fears are constantly dismissed as paranoia by the others, isolating him emotionally. The film also raises uncomfortable questions about how adults interpret children’s behavior and how easy it is to overlook danger when it comes from an unexpected source.
Key Themes in the Film
- Parental instinct vs. fear: Adults wrestle with the urge to protect children even when they pose a threat
- Gaslighting and isolation: Ben’s descent into self-doubt echoes real-life experiences of psychological manipulation
- Loss of innocence: The movie subverts the idea of childhood purity, turning it into a source of horror
- Supernatural influence: An unexplained force corrupts what should be a safe and joyful environment
The film’s narrative reflects real anxieties about trust and family dynamics, enhancing its emotional impact while delivering horror elements effectively.
Performances and Characterization
The cast delivers grounded and believable performances, which enhances the film’s realism and tension. Alisha Wainwright plays Margaret with quiet strength, navigating a balance between concern and disbelief. Zach Gilford’s portrayal of Ben is a standout, capturing the character’s increasing desperation and internal conflict. Amanda Crew and Carlos Santos also contribute well-rounded performances, adding depth to the adults’ group dynamic.
Character Highlights
- Ben: His slow descent into paranoia is the emotional core of the film
- Margaret: Her loyalty is tested as she must choose between her partner and her sense of logic
- Ellie and Thomas: Their protective stance over their children blinds them to the growing danger
- Children: Their transformation is subtle but chilling, with haunting expressions and controlled gestures
The performances help ground the supernatural story in emotional realism, making the horror more personal and intense.
Direction and Cinematic Style
Director Roxanne Benjamin brings a sharp, restrained style to the film. She avoids excessive gore or jump scares, choosing instead to build dread through atmosphere and suggestion. The cinematography plays a key role in this, with dim lighting, muted colors, and a disorienting forest setting enhancing the sense of confusion and fear. The music and sound design also contribute significantly, using quiet moments and eerie tones to heighten suspense.
Visual and Narrative Techniques
- Claustrophobic framing during moments of psychological tension
- Ambiguous imagery that leaves the supernatural elements open to interpretation
- Careful pacing that allows tension to simmer before exploding
- Use of natural settings to contrast the unnatural events
This stylistic approach makes the film feel more like a psychological thriller than a traditional horror movie, appealing to viewers who enjoy slow-burn narratives.
Reception and Impact
Audiences and critics had mixed but largely positive reactions toThere’s Something Wrong with the Children. It was praised for its atmosphere, performances, and psychological depth. Some viewers expected more conventional horror and found the ambiguity challenging, while others appreciated the film’s subtle and mature approach to fear. The movie’s focus on mental health, trust, and group dynamics makes it stand out among similar horror titles.
Common Praise Points
- Effective use of tension and minimalistic horror
- Compelling lead performance by Zach Gilford
- Thought-provoking themes and a strong script
- Unsettling child performances without overacting
The film’s understated horror allows it to reach beyond the genre’s usual boundaries, making it an interesting case study for horror as a vehicle for emotional storytelling.
There’s Something Wrong with the Childrenis more than just a creepy-kids horror movie. It dives into psychological horror, questioning the boundaries of trust and the fragility of sanity. By slowly unraveling its mystery and focusing on grounded character experiences, the film creates a deeply unsettling atmosphere that lingers long after the final scene. Its emphasis on believable emotional conflict, along with strong direction and performance, positions it as a standout entry in modern horror. Whether you’re drawn to eerie child-centered stories or slow-burning psychological thrillers, this film offers a chilling experience worth exploring.