PÁRVULOS: CHILDREN OF THE APOCALYPSE is a dystopian coming-of-age horror story, set in a near future. We follow three young brothers living alone in a remote cabin with a dark secret. Hidden in their basement is a terrifying secret that they’ve adapted to and have been living with for some time. The film played at Fantastic Fest this year which we had the privilege to attend last month. Párvulos was at the top of our list for films to watch during the festival.

Isaac Ezban (THE INCIDENT, THE SIMILARS, PARALLEL, EVIL EYES) brings forth a coming-of-age story with horror aspects. The director even talked about this saying

“I believe the horror and coming-of-age blend very well, as these stories are a great metaphor to what growing up and discovering another world means. This is not only a story about family, but a story about trying to save a family.” 

In the film, we follow a very close family of brothers as the eldest tries to keep everything moving and together. The youngest still grasp a childhood that is no more in this apocalypse. A story that many know of the oldest having to take the reins and steer their younger siblings to a better future. Their hardships and sacrifices can make the movie a hard watch. It really enforces just how cruel this world is and what they have to do in order to survive. I don’t want to get too deep into the story, as I feel it’s one to go into not knowing much.

The look of the film is also as much of a character as everything else in the film. It is teetering between monochrome fairytale and post-apocalyptic grim nightmare. A lot of words, but when a filmmaker pulls a look like this you have to really talk about it. Of course, the imagery only can work if the substance has as much weight. The story of these siblings trying to make best with a world they didn’t ask for is very intriguing and heartbreaking. Isaac is able to give the characters so much depth that you’re invested in where their story will go. The fact that we are following these young children just raise the tension as you hope they make it out of this situation.

There’s a lot going on in Párvulos and it can seem that it gets lost at times. I think however Ezban is clearly showcasing just how complicated and fast things can move in this world. Párvulos showcases the way some of us are forced to grow up sooner and take the role of our parents. It’s clearly a story many can feel a connection to with its themes of family and the role of a caretaker. A film that is both frightening as it is heartbreaking, Párvulos is going to be a clear stand out.

Overall, I will tell you the film has some very disturbing and upsetting imagery for some. It however fuels the story until it’s very final scene and leaves a mark on the viewer. The film like I said seems to wander a lot and explore so much but when it focuses on the siblings it really shines. A though provoking and emotional story covered in its horror themes makes it a standout. It truly is wonderful to see Mexican horror cinema flourish in the last couple of years more. Excited for what the future holds for Isaac as Párvulos will undoubtedly be a film a I think about for a bit.