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Synopsis:
A group of children born with immunity to radioactivity are held captive by British officials (led by Alexander Knox), who believe they are the only hope for humanity after an imminent nuclear holocaust. When three young adults — Simon (Macdonald Carey), Joan (Shirley Ann Field), and Joan’s incestuous brother King (Oliver Reed) — stumble upon the children in their cave, they attempt to rescue them.
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Response to Peary’s Review:
This highly controversial, “sobering science fiction film” by director Joseph Losey (which wasn’t released in the United States until 1965, in a shortened version) is noteworthy for “combining social criticism with sci-fi” and “suggesting that the British government was capable of insidious plots.” While the film isn’t entirely successful (it’s burdened by distracting subplots of incest and teenage gangs, and only becomes truly interesting once the children appear on screen), it nonetheless makes for highly provocative viewing. It bears striking similarities to Kazuo Ishiguro’s poignant novel Never Let Me Go (2005), about clones who are raised in isolation for a grim future as organ donors; both stories invoke the ethical dilemmas of raising children apart from mainstream society for questionable purposes.
Redeeming Qualities:
- A fascinating, controversial sci-fi premise
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Shirley Anne Field as Joan
Must See?
Yes. The controversy surrounding the release of this unusual little film makes it must-see watching.
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Posted on March 9th, 2006 by admin
Filed under: Response Reviews
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