Children of the Night (Movie Review)

In the 1897, Horror novel Dracula by Bram Stoker graced the shelves of bookstores. In this novel, Count Dracula says the now-famous words, “Listen to them, the children of the night. What music they make.” Although The Count is referring to wolves howling in the distance, the quote is very fitting for the movie Children of the Night (originally titled Limbo). Written and directed by Iván Noel (In Your Absence 2008, Primary! 2010), Children of the Night is an Independent Horror film from Argentina that is entirely in Spanish, with English subtitles. Children of the Night was released in Argentina on February 2, 2014 and in the US on October 6, 2015 via Artsploitation Films.

Still from Children of the Night.
Still from Children of the Night.

Reporter Alicia (Sabrina Ramos: 6 Bullets to Hell 2014, Le jour où tout a bascule 2014) receives a phone call asking her to travel to a children’s home called Limbo. The caller explains that the children living there have a disease and the fatality rate keeps climbing. She would like their story told through Alicia. Intrigued, she goes to Limbo and meets with the charismatic caretaker, Erda (Ana María Giunta: The Roldans 2004, Family Affairs 2003). She begins to observe the children, who only come out at night due to light sensitivity, and notices that they almost act like little adults. One particular twelve-year old boy named Siegfried (Toto Muñoz) takes an interest in Alicia and seems to recognize her and even know details about her life. Alicia seems to recognize Siegfried as well, along with many of the children living in Limbo. Realizing that they are children who have gone missing from Argentina, Alicia demands answers from Erda. The elderly caretaker explains that the children were turned into Vampires by “shameless adult Vampires” who changed them at an early age. They are misunderstood and hunted, so there are homes such as Limbo all over the world. The younger Vampires do not have their fangs yet and are allowed only animal blood. Older Vampires can go into the local town and drink human blood, which does not kill the humans.

Still from Children of the Night
Still from Children of the Night

Alicia finds the operations of Limbo quite impressive and does not seem frightened at the reality of its existence. She becomes close to both Erda and Siegfried and even remembers her special connection to Siegfried. Unfortunately, hunters who are on a mission to eradicate the existence of places such as Limbo come to wage war and Alicia finds her true calling along the way.

Children of the Night maintains a surprisingly playful tone, even during the fighting and bloodshed. Although the Vampires are children in body alone, they still have child-like qualities at times, such as attacking enemies and proceeding to jump rope with intestines. This element brings a dark, yet impish, humor that is extremely charming. The atmosphere of the film is somewhat quiet and moody, especially since most of the filming takes place during the nighttime. In stark contrast to the setting, the children are always in white garments, which only add to the youthful playfulness.

Still from Children of the Night
Still from Children of the Night

There has been a surge of well-made Independent Horror flicks over recent years and Children of the Night is no exception. Movies such as this prove that filmmakers can make something beautiful without having a large budget. An original idea, decent acting, and charm make Children of the Night a real treat for fans of the Horror genre, especially those who enjoy Vampires and foreign movies. CrypticRock gives Children of the Night 4 out of 5 stars.

ChildrenOfTheNightWeb
Artsploitation Films

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