Saturday, March 22, 2014

A Trip to Hell with these Children of Sorrow: A Movie Review

Director: Jourdan McClure.

Writer: Ryan Finnerty and Jourdan McClure.

Cast: Bill Oberst Jr., Hannah Levien, Whitney Nielsen, Nich Kauffman and Galen Howard.

Children of Sorrow is an indie film from Rogue River (2009) creators Ryan Finnerty and Jourdan McClure. The film's story focuses on an isolated cult in the desert. Here, one man brings twelve followers on a journey to hell; few survive the trip. Children of Sorrow also focuses on one villainous character, while more heroic characters are simply forgotten. Light on conflict but full of disturbing and awkward scenes, Children of Sorrow is a harrowing tale set in the depths of madness.

The story is centered on one man - Simon Leach (Bill Oberst Jr.). This character calls himself the Father, but this is not one man you would want in your family life. The Father recruits several impressionable twentysomethings. Once interviewed and indoctrinated, the followers are slowly brought into a new sort of family, involving dysfunction. One girl, Ellen (Hannah Levien) stands up to Leach, but only briefly. Everyone else is like a lamb led to the slaughter.

Children of Sorrow is also like a journey into hell. Characters are introduced to viewers, initially. They play together and work together. Meanwhile, Leach's power is growing stronger over his flock. Once wrapped around his finger, he begins to act out his own demons. He has some of his followers commit suicide, while others watch. Still, some of his flock are used for his own sexual pleasures. Most of it is difficult to watch unfold, because no one is fighting back.

There are no heroes in the film. Ellen is the closest the film gets to developing a protagonist. Ellen is in search of her sister, Janet, who has already succumbed to Leach's murderous ways. She is there to investigate Leach, but she gives up to his charms too quickly. Soon, Ellen is just another follower, waiting to transition to the other side. Other minor characters are too dazed by Leach's trust exercises and false words to even offer a token resistance. No one can counter this villain's sadistic plans.

Overall, Children of Sorrow is a disturbing and well thought out film. Although indie in nature, the production here is developed professionally. Actors Bill Oberst Jr. and Hannah Levien are the strongest of the cast. Other castmates are given screentime, only secondarily. As well, director Jourdan McClure captures much of the action in a compelling fashion; though, this film watcher is not a fan of hand-held camerawork. Still, surveilance cameras are used to stabilize the visual frame. Also, the film builds slowly, but there are no real pacing issues here. There is something unfolding onscreen during much of the film and the lack of repetition keeps the story developing in an even fashion; events unfold at a steady rate. In the end, Children of Sorrow is a well shot and well acted indie horror feature.

This title was recently released by After Dark Films on DVD (March 4th, 2014) and most horror fans will enjoy this cultish film. The climax does unfold a little too quickly and a few strange scenes, involving Leach, can unsettle the viewer. But, Children of Sorrow mostly holds the attention, with the final act worthy of note. This horror title is remiscent of a few others films, including Holy Ghost People (2014), but Children of Sorrow is a unique story, sometimes spent awkwardly , with one murderous madman.

Overall: 6.75 out of 10 (a small story, interesting characters, unsettling scenarios, the climax could have been extended by a few minutes).

A trailer for the film is available here:

Children of Sorrow Trailer on 28DLA


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