Today’s quick review: Children of Men. Eighteen years after the birth of the last child on Earth, Britain has become a police state. Theo’s (Clive Owen) bleak life is disrupted when his ex Julian (Julianne Moore), now the leader of a terrorist group, asks him to escort a young woman named Kee (Clare-Hope Ashitey) across the country to safety. The reason for her flight soon becomes clear: Kee’s is the first pregnancy in nearly two decades.
Children of Men is a dystopian science fiction movie based on the novel by P.D. James. Children of Men posits a future where the human race has been rendered infertile for an unknown reason. Kee’s pregnancy offers humanity its first ray of hope, but only if she can be delivered into the right hands. Complicating matters is the Fishes, a fractious group of rebels who have split opinions about how to best use Kee.
Children of Men features a strong plot, incisive political themes, and capable direction. The story takes an effective premise and plays it out well, following Theo and Kee’s flight across Britain. The writing throws a few well-delivered sucker punches, while the direction does a good job of contrasting the fraying normalcy of British life with the violence and chaos lurking underneath.
However, Children of Men has a few issues that narrow its appeal. The dystopian tone skirts the line between hope and despair, making the movie a suitably heavy watch. The characters can come across as pushy and unsympathetic, making it harder to connect with them and limiting the movie’s emotional impact. The setting also relies on political speculation that may not resonate with all viewers.
These issues ultimately come down to taste. Those who can embrace the dark setting and the flawed characters will be treated to a solidly constructed plot, skillful cinematography, and a couple of resourceful moments from Theo. Those who are already on the fence about the genre may not appreciate the tradeoffs the movie makes: Children of Men sacrifices immediate appeal for the sake of better drama.
Watch Children of Men if you are in the mood for a competently executed dystopian thriller. Fans of the genre will appreciate the movie’s strong craftsmanship. Those looking to dabble in the genre should also check it out, with the caveat that the movie’s particular flavor of dystopia may or may not match their tastes. For other stories in the same vein, check out The Book of Eli, The Road, or the video game The Last of Us.
7.9 out of 10 on IMDB. I give it a 7.0 for a strong plot and high overall quality, compromised some by its characters and themes; your score will be higher if you are a fan of dystopian fiction or the movie’s characters and themes click for you.