Little Children

Director Todd Field, who received much deserved acclaim for his first feature In the Bedroom in 2001, once again proves his talent with this dark suburban tale based on Tom Perrotta’s novel. Kate Winslet stars as Sarah, a disenchanted wife and mother who has settled comfortably into the emptiness of her life, until she meets Brad (Patrick Wilson), a handsome stay-at-home father whose life eerily mirrors her own. Although Brad is married to the beautiful Kathy (Jennifer Connelly), he finds his life to be less than engaging and seeks solace in the company of Sarah. This all coincides with a recently released pedophile (Jackie Earle Haley) moving into the neighbourhood, and despite his desire to be left alone, the local residents won’t let that happen. Fans of American Beauty will find much to enjoy in this similarly themed film, but that’s not necessarily a compliment. Although it is beautifully shot and edited—and includes one of the best voiceover narrations in recent film memory—it is ultimately a lesser achievement than Field’s In the Bedroom. We want these people to find redemption in the end, knowing full well that it isn’t possible. This angle can be emotionally effective in some cases, but Little Children, as a narrative, seems very detached from its characters. As such, the viewer remains indifferent to the fact that they are all digging their own graves. That said, the film does feature several masterful performances, particularly from Winslet and Connelly, and makes one very eager to see what Mr. Field has up his sleeve next.

Directed by Todd Field.
Written by Todd Field and Tom Perrotta.
Starring Kate Winslet, Jennifer Connelly, Patrick Wilson, Noah Emmerich, Jackie Earle Haley and Phyllis Somerville.

Rated R for strong sexuality and nudity, language and some disturbing content. 130 min.

***½ so says The Fish