Director: Makinov
Starring: Ebon Moss-Bachrach, Vinessa Shaw, Daniel Gimenez Cacho,
Running Time: 86 Minutes
Certificate: 18
Remember when Cliff Richard made summer holidays sound fun and relaxing? He obviously never stepped foot inside a horror film. In Makinov’s COME OUT AND PLAY, a remake of 1976’s cult classic WHO CAN KILL A CHILD?, an American couple journey to an isolated Mexican island only to find it deserted, save some creepy kiddies. From there the film writes itself, following the kind of predictable beat you would expect from such a set-up. Happily though, it isn’t completely devoid of surprises.
COME OUT AND PLAY starts with a very promising tone, in that it doesn’t make clear it’s a horror. The sundrenched cinematography is at odds with the eclectic soundtrack and cross-fades, which suggest we’re either headed into a distorted nightmare or a bizarre dream. We’re not given many details about the protagonists Francis (Moss-Bachrach) and Beth (Shaw). All we know is that she is pregnant, and when waltzing around deserted villages, they’re both a little slow on the uptake.
Makinov introduces the threats gradually and uses well-paced dramatic irony to clue in the audience before the characters. The film takes its time getting to the point, which would have been fine if we’d had some interesting leads to get to know or learn about. Instead we’re left twiddling our thumbs as we await the inevitable. Once the children’s demonic natures are revealed, it becomes an escape style chiller, as Francis and Beth weigh up their options.
Both the violence and gore are handled well, never becoming too graphic and always leaving an impact. It starts with the children acting in a believable and disturbing violent manner, finding strength in numbers, before it spirals into mutilation and shock tactics. The children seem dangerous from their first introduction, and perhaps that’s why, despite being creepy, they are never terrifying. It’s doubtful any viewer would have a problem with offing one of these cherubs, no matter what their age. This makes Francis’ descent into child murderer more a matter of time than an ethical quandary.
There are certainly effective elements to this film, but it is also far too reminiscent of its predecessor to merit a viewing over that superior film. Considering director, writer, cinematographer, sound designer etc. Makinov, is so quick to shove their name on screen in a huge font, including calling the film Makinov’s COME OUT AND PLAY, you would hope for a distinct voice to resonate throughout.
COME OUT AND PLAY is released on DVD on 6th May via Metrodome Distribution.
