FILMBRATS - REVIEWS

On November 16, 2027, the youngest person in the world dies at eighteen years old. For some unknown reason, women no longer have the ability to procreate. Yet despite what seems to be a slow, but inevitable extinction for the human race, they compound their problems by continuing to war with each other in increasing numbers. But there just may be a glimmer of hope. Theo, a former political activist has been chosen to escort a very special young woman to one of the few safe havens left in the world. It will be a tough, dangerous journey, but the trek is necessary, because she just may be the key to saving mankind.

This is a largely modest science fiction film. I don’t mean that in terms of the technical filmmaking, but rather in the way it avoids the conventions of creating an overly futuristic world. You won’t see flying cars or a vastly restructured cityscape or all kinds of crazy weapons. Instead you’ll see a completely plausible extension of our current landscape and culture. It may not stretch the limits of your imagination, but it will certainly still make you think.

If not thematically, then cinematically the film will leave you in awe. Director Alfonso Cuarón and cinematographer Emmanuel Lubezki re-team (“Y Tu Mamá También”) to give us what is probably the most beautifully shot film of the year. Long takes are the wave of the future, apparently and I couldn’t be happier. The camera follows our reluctant hero with grace and unobtrusive flair. I dare you to not sit in wonder and amazement as you watch a barrage of attacks come at you from inside the car. Sometimes you can’t always trust that you’re watching one incredibly long breathtaking shot, because there was at least one occasion where the first part showed blood on the lens that magically disappeared later on. Ultimately it doesn’t take much away from the highly effective camerawork. Add to all of this that the movie includes one of the most incredible yet cinematically understated climaxes ever committed to celluloid and it becomes very difficult not to love it.

One of the other things I liked about the movie was also my biggest complaint. The film isn’t about the hows and whys of what’s going on in the world, but rather about the what nows. It’s great in that we are being fully immersed into the near apocalyptic world and in that they don’t just give a half-assed scientific explanation for the lack of babies (although it would be nice to know why men weren’t affected by whatever it was or why animals can still reproduce). However, I would have liked more explanation about some of the aspects and elements. I think there was more clarity given to the organizations that Theo encounters, to what makes their destination actually safe, and to some of the characters’ pasts.

Nearly everything is handled perfectly. The music complements the along for the ride camera work very well and plays up the emotional impact of the scenes without being heavy handed. I wish the acting was a tiny bit better and that the story would have picked up a bit sooner, but other than that there’s really very little fault to be found with this one. Easily accessible to science fiction aficionados and casual film-goers alike, “Children of Men” is easily one of the best films of the year, and not one that can be reproduced anytime soon.

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