The first produced feature from UK indie horror specialists Dark Temple Motion Pictures comes in the form of WWII-set Children of the Night.
We follow two soldiers who become stranded from their battalion near Normandy. On paper, it seems like they only have to worry about German soldiers but there is another sinister force at work and it doesn’t take sides.
Why Children of the Night instantly stands out from a standard low budget creature feature horror is not just the war setting, but its queer narrative.
One of our soldiers Jim is struggling with his sexuality, which comes into play as we find out how he ended up serving in the war.
There is a shift in tone in Children of the Night when it almost becomes melodramatic, as Jim meets another person who he can finally be himself around.
When it becomes clear that there is a vampiric threat, the film shifts into chaotic mode and becomes slightly jagged around the edges. It’s tricky because the half where the monsters remain in the shadows is probably the best part, but to move the story along there needed to be some sort of reveal. It’s the chicken and egg situation.
The vampires have a fantastic, Nosferatu-esque design which works better in the shadows, rather than in full light, which does cheapen some attack scenes.
Children of the Night shows enough promise from director William Stead, and certainly shows a lot of potential if he decides to stay in the genre for future projects.
Children of the Night screens as part of Sohome Horror Fest: Pride 2023.
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