Almost no one saw it in Spanish cinemas, but The Innocents was one of the best films of last year
Due to the abundance of productions about superheroes, there was also another thematic line that deconstructed or even parodied the genre. Stories like “The Boys” or “Deadpool” have reformulated their keys mainstream but we also have authentic gems of European cinema that showed unexplored facets of superheroes. Like The Innocents, available on Movistar+.
Superheroes and supervillains
During a hot summer, Ida’s family moves to a suburb of Oslo. While walking through their new neighborhood, she and her sister end up befriending two other children. Unexpectedly, They discover that they have superpowers and begin to explore it on your own, although the situation It soon stops being child’s play and turns into something more sinister…
“The Innocents” (“De uskyldige”) it a Norwegian film written and directed by Eskil Vogt known for his work as a screenwriter on “The Worst Man in the World” and “Thelma”, who already dealt with the theme of supernatural powers in a kind of Nordic “Carrie”.
The film is from 2021, but in Spain we could only see it in 2022 a discreet theatrical release. Previously he toured to festivals such as Cannes, where he took part in the “Uncertain Consideration” section, or Sitges, where he received a special mention.
The movie is The best example of less is more And that the interesting thing about any story (whether superheroic or not) really lies not in how spectacular its special effects may be, but rather in its characters and how they develop and take the plot to interesting places.
In fact, this is a much smaller and more limited production than any other Blockbusters Hollywood and it’s never something that weighs on him, quite the opposite. The script shines when it comes to distribution special attention and care to show us the psychology of its protagonists and describe what each individual’s wishes and fears are.
He hits the nail on the head when it comes to raising the question of the genesis of a supervillain: it is not the lust for power or an evil of cosmic proportions, but Feelings as real as frustration, loneliness or the inability to escape yourself.
Best of all, the film doesn’t even express a desire to reinvent the superhero genre (or “do something better,” as some who deny it brag), but simply Vogt wants to tell this story in his own way.
A story intimate, but sometimes disturbing. With its own rhythm that slowly brews the conflict. This allows the characters to develop more naturally and their reactions to each event are not forced.
Benefit too Elements of the fantasy and horror genre supported by all the talent of its young protagonists: Rakel Lenora Fløttum, Sam Ashraf, Alva Brynsmo Ramstad and Mina Yasmin Bremseth Asheim, all first-time actors.
“The Innocents” is one of them realistic and disturbing approach to superheroes the topics such as examined Friendship or the loss of innocence. A gem that went unnoticed in the cinema and where you can relax Streaming.
