Demonic children – they’re a pretty scary bunch, from Damon in The Omen (the ultimate devil child, being literally the son of Satan), to The Children of the Corn and Regan from The Exorcist. As if children aren’t terrifying enough, Horror Films up the ante by giving the brats special powers. The most recent incarnation of a disturbing child is Lillith Sullivan (Jodelle Ferland) in Case 39.
When Case 39 lands on the desk of overworked but extremely committed social worker, Emily (Renée Zellweger), she can immediately sense there is something seriously wrong with the Sullivan family; the edgy child, 10 yr old Lilly, and the extremely creepy parents, with dead eyes. Nobody heeds her concerns and Lilly is narrowly saved by Emily and her policeman friend, Mike (Ian McShane). Displaying the professionalism of a teenage McDonald’s worker (no offence) Emily, childless and partnerless (she is that devoted to her calling) takes in the damaged Lilly whilst a foster family is found.
But wait, were Lilly’s parents right about this sweet, softly spoken child – is she really a bad seed?
With all the subtlety of a sledgehammer Case 39 follows a pretty tried and tested formula of the horror genre. Though there are some genuinely jumpy moments, overall the thrills of the movie are probably lower than your average horror flick. Ferland does a great job tapering her performance, making Lilly progressively more and more alarming. Twisting the annoying trait children have of repetition when they want something and taking to its extreme, Ferland builds up a creepy character.
It is a pity that the psychological aspects of the story aren’t more developed. Case 39 could have possibly been quite an interesting thriller with a little more mystery. Social workers around the world will probably cringe at the representation of their work, and the dubious message of the film – some children are just evil. Case 39 is a mediocre horror film, creepy but not scary enough to book yourself in for sterilisation just yet.
Australian Release Date: 5th November
Director: Christian Alvart
Cast: Renée Zellweger, Jodelle Ferland, Ian McShane, Bradley Cooper, Callum Keith Rennie, Kerry O’Malley, Adrian Lester
Great last line! May I never come across a child so demonic that it drives me to sterilisation!