The Innocents

Ida becomes friends with Benjamin, who has supernatural abilities. For example, he can teleport rocks when they are playing. Another child in the neighborhood, Aisha, can hear what other people are thinking and know how they feel. She can even communicate with the speechless Anna. These forces create new opportunities among the kids and in their games – whispering secrets can, for example, be done at a long distance. The Innocents contain many fine depictions of children's imagination and play – home alone, around the block or in the woods. But strong forces – as expected in a horror film or thriller – also provide opportunities for abuse.

Eskil Vogt is a brave director who dares to challenge conventions and stereotypes, and does so with caution and warmth. The Innocents will stand as an important work in Norwegian film history – transcending conventions in both genre and themes. The film competed in the official side section Un certain regard in Cannes. (Excerpt from Anne Gjelsvik's analysis of the film at Montages.)