Another picture from the collection “Alta tensione” by Lamberto Bava. After reading the plot, you can easily predict that the plot uses a frequent genre instrument in the form of some children with angelic faces, but demonic souls. This contrast is a frequent guest in the “scary” cinema, well-proven in a number of films, disposing to fantastic-mystical stories along with realistic thrillers.
However, here the author chose a very curious way, very delicately balancing on the symbiosis of an action-packed, social and psychological story, whose supporting core can even unpleasantly surprise many, because in his presentation, genre sinister children do not personify the unambiguous Evil, in fact, not being monsters or killers, as it often happens in horror, but simply being children who are amused in their games inspired by adults. And it's very hard to blame them for their brutality, as the script completely avoids blood or physical abuse. There is a strong psychology, suspense situation, when a children's secret occupation under the mysterious definition of the game of a group of schoolchildren is designed for sadistic loosening of the nerves of the chosen victim, which winds itself up, unwittingly going on about morality, profession or instincts, getting into the network of small mischievous people. The metaphor hidden between the lines is also strong, since the Game is only a repetition of the actions of adults, thereby, the director is very critical of us as adults who are growing children on bad deeds, which become reports in news blocks that force the younger generation to play into adulthood, as a test of a pen before the inevitable future. Now it's cruel, but still fun, but in a couple of years, it will go beyond imitation to become a reality, replacing the cynicism of parents or school leaders. This is the horror of the situation when children are not grotesque monsters, not blond aliens at the desk, not brainless fanatics from corn fields, but small adults using our tricks and pain points of influence on others. For example, parents have war, they have war – no difference, because we live, and they play life.
Curious and conflicts in the background, represented by the confrontation of the main character – a young teacher who invaded the existing teaching staff with its own set of rules and specifics, cherishing the image of an educational institution, when garbage from the hut is not taken out on public display. The boundaries of professional etiquette and friendly participation in the lives of schoolchildren are a good reference point for screenwriters, which also included Dardano Sachetti, who stuffed his hand in the action genre. In addition, the central character is again very interesting, specially placed in fictitious frames, because the teacher carries a strong psychological trauma from her own childhood, affecting and even distorting her current perception of events, because if she did not have personal demons in her soul, she would probably interpret the actions of the children in a different way. It also adds color to the film.
Alas, the perfect production is still not called. Weak possibilities of the television project make many scenes inexpressive, where there is a noticeable lack of sharpness or genre atmosphere in the unpretentious manner of shooting and not always reliable acting. It's more conceived than implemented. Nevertheless, the story proceeds intriguingly, causing a desire to find out the denouement for a couple with the main character, the background is selected appropriate from an ancient building with an ominous basement, as well as lovers of Italian horror films will be pleased to notice in the episodic role of Daria Nicolodi in the role of the principal of the school.
7 out of 10