"Julian? I haven't seen you in twenty years. You look good.
The picture the police have of you doesn't do you justice"
Theo
"What do the police know about justice?"
Julian
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| Clive's bedroom won't be winning any design awards. |
In the future humanity finds itself doomed when it becomes clear that women can no longer conceive. Unable to find any explanation for this catastrophe, and resigned to inevitable extinction, society finds itself on the brink of collapse amidst political upheaval and anarchy. Activist turned office-nobody Theo finds his hum-drum existence dragged into turmoil when he's forced to act as guardian to an illegal immigrant who also happens to be the first pregnant woman in almost two decades.
Script: 2/2- perfectly judged, weighty but never preachy
Pace: 2/2- thrilling without ever feeling rushed
Acting: 2/2- everybody brings their A-game
Aesthetic: 2/2- so gritty that it feels like a news-story
Intention: 2/2- a mature science fiction which asks important questions
Final Word: 10/10
Directed by Alfonso Cuaron (a man who can claim a creative credit in such films as Pan's Labrynth and Harry Potter, and who also went on to direct the critically acclaimed blockbuster Gravity), based on a book by P.D James, and written for the screen by no less than 5 separate writers (including star Clive Owen having some input), you could be forgiven for believing that too many cooks would surely spoil the broth? On this occasion you'd be very wrong. Children of Men is not only a perfect science fiction adventure, but also a perfectly judged exploration of themes including faith, hope and redemption. Cuaron brings his European outsider's eye to bare on the state of English politics and where we could be headed. Clive Owen plays the role of his career as the every-man sucked into this Earth-shattering conspiracy, while the standard sci-fi trappings are put to one side in favor of a gritty and frighteningly accurate portrayal of future-Britain- the unique set-pieces are no less exciting for the lack of explosions and flying cars. Children of Men is not only science fiction done right, but a triumph in direction, storytelling, cinematography and creative process. Julianne Moore, Chiwetel Ejiofor and Michael Caine also shine as Owen's co-stars. If you haven't already, watch it!
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