Saturday, 11:10pm Film4
Eskil Vogt’s The Innocents (2021) takes childhood terror to a whole new level, crafting an unnerving thriller where innocence is anything but comforting. Set in a bland Norwegian apartment complex, the film follows a group of children who discover they have supernatural abilities. What starts as playful experimentation quickly spirals into something far darker, as their powers are wielded with increasingly malevolent intent. With a slow-burn intensity and chillingly quiet atmosphere, this film makes you question whether the devilish little brats next door might be brewing up something more sinister than sugar-fueled mayhem.
Sound plays a pivotal role in The Innocents, where the absence of a traditional score enhances the creeping unease. The film leans heavily on naturalistic sound design—wind in the trees, footsteps on concrete, the distant hum of city life—which amplifies the tension, as the children's supernatural actions disrupt these ordinary surroundings. The minimalist soundscape gives the supernatural elements a stark realism, making the eerie powers on display feel all the more disturbing. That said, there are occasional bursts of eerie, electronic music from Pessi Levanto, used sparingly but effectively to punctuate moments of heightened tension or violence. It’s the kind of film where the silence is just as unsettling as the score.
For soundtrack collectors, however, it’s slim pickings, as the film's minimalist approach means there's no grand orchestral score to pour over. But Levanto’s use of subtle electronic cues does echo in your mind long after the credits roll, much like the disquieting imagery of the film. If you're a fan of eerie, understated sound design that crawls under your skin, this one is worth paying attention to—just don’t expect a rousing soundtrack to accompany you on your daily walk. You might end up watching your back instead.
- Paul Allen