Review of Children of the Damned (1964) by Ben U — 04 Jan 2009

With a dash of German Expressionism, a pinch of Italian neo-realism, a streak of BBC docudrama and American anthology series' like Twilight Zone, Children of the Damned is a far superior sequel to Village of the Damned.

In fact calling it a sequel is rather silly as it shares little from the original, which is an excellent thing.

The title even manages to hold far more significance as the plot thickens and we come to understand the possibilities.

Politically and morally layered, draped in the fears of the cold war, the film sheds its predecessor's country attire and enters the labyrinthine London streets for what is essentially a chase and standoff film.

Though somewhat episodic (director Alan Leader primarily directed TV) the film offers some great set pieces and scientific and moral quandaries. The handling of the children as something other than the evil little beings of the first film is a testament to screenwriter John Briley. The sci-fi elements are kept to a bare minimum though are used in far more creative and exciting ways than VotD, which heightens the terror and curiosity until we reach that inevitable question of "why can't we all just get along?" to startlingly effect.