LITTLE CHILDREN

WTF?

I was totally thrown off by Little Children. I was expecting something more main stream I suppose, but that is not what I got. This film is a dark comedy that I am still trying to process. The characters are unusual, well portrayed, and stick with you to say the least. The story is complex and sometimes hard to follow, but effectively told throughout the duration of the film.

The story takes place in a small town where things are relatively normal. The film follows the stories of married people having an affair and a man with a sexual perversion that is stirring emotions across town. There are many other characters involved that all play into the grand scheme of things and play their roles in story telling.

Not one person in this film seems content except the children maybe. This is intentional I am sure. The naivety of the children is what makes them content. Ignorance is bliss. The age of the children was carefully chosen though, because they are right on the cusp of realizing what is going on around them. The main children are those of the couple having the affair. They do not know what is going on with their parents, but are constantly suspicious. Kate Winslet gives a noteworthy performance as usual, and relative newcomer Patrick Wilson also carries his character with outstanding capability.

The story had some nicely created meanings and messages. Ideas about human behavior and the value of relationships are the main focus. Touching on how many people just settle and deal with what they have regardless of their happiness. Little Children captures the mood of an unhappy relationship and hurls it at the audience.

The story is humorous, touching, passionate, creepy, but most of all it is well told. I unfortunately had some issues with the ending. It seemed all too tidy and convenient for such a bizarre film. It just kind of ended leaving a taste for more information, but at the same time I was ready for it to be over. So I guess I do not know what to think still. Little Children was well crafted and captivating to watch. Winslet is deserving of her award nominations.


GRADE: B+
TRAILER: http://www.apple.com/trailers/newline/littlechildren/