There’s Something Wrong with the Children (2023) is a psychological horror film directed by Roxanne Benjamin and stars Alisha Wainwright, Zach Gilford, Amanda Crew, and Carlos Santos. The movie explores themes of paranoia, possession, and the disturbing transformations of children, all set in a seemingly quiet and idyllic environment.
The film centers on Ben (Zach Gilford) and Margaret (Alisha Wainwright), a couple who, along with their two young children, visit an old family friend, Ellie (Amanda Crew), and her husband Thomas (Carlos Santos), at a remote cabin in the woods for a weekend getaway. The trip takes a dark turn when their children, who had been playing near a mysterious cave, begin exhibiting strange, unexplainable behavior. They seem to have lost their previous personalities and adopt an eerie, almost demonic demeanor, which disturbs the adults around them.
As Ben and Margaret grow more suspicious, they begin to realize that their children may not just be misbehaving but may actually be possessed or under the influence of something sinister. As the strange occurrences escalate, the family is forced to confront the terrifying possibility that the children are no longer who they were. The adults must figure out what happened to the children, while also grappling with their own fears of what’s real and what’s not.
There’s Something Wrong with the Children received mixed-to-positive reviews from critics. Many praised the filmโs slow-burn tension and the performances of the cast, particularly Wainwright and Gilford, who brought depth to their roles as parents thrust into an impossible situation. The film’s eerie atmosphere and sense of paranoia were also highlighted as key strengths, contributing to a haunting viewing experience.
