The Black-Eyed Children Review (2025)

Synopsis

A young woman takes a job at an autumn camp in the woods, only to arrive to find that all the children have mysteriously disappeared. But as night falls, much to her dismay, some of them return.

My Thoughts on The Black-Eyed Children

Good Points

Strong Use of Legend

Gallai cleverly grounds the story in the Black Eyed Children myth, giving the film a creepy foundation that feels quite mysterious.

Smart Camera Work

First-person perspective mixed with wider third-person shots are pretty well done where we see Claire’s vulnerability both up close and from a distance.

Strong Lead Performance

Kata Kuna captures Claire’s curiosity, and courage pretty well with what the script gives her.

Bill Oberst Jr

Bill Oberst Jr. as Mr. Donahue, balances warmth with menace.

Clever Perspective Shifts

Switching between Claire’s first-person view and third-person environmental shots makes adds a cinematic touch uncommon in small scale found footage films.

Minimal Reliance on Jump Scares

The horror builds from suggestion rather than constant shocks, with unseen threats, strange noises, and little movements.

Pacing Control

Gallai’s direction ensures the story doesn’t feel rushed, where quiet exploration sequences are balanced with moments of danger.

Bad Points

Slow Start

The early sections plod along, and it does takes its time a bit before you feel engaged.

Occasional Familiarity

The isolated camp and lurking unknown forces echo classic horror tropes, and the film doesn’t fully break any new or interesting ground in the setting or scenario.

Lack of Backstory Depth

Claire’s personal history is lightly touched on, and while it doesn’t detract from suspense, it could have added some extra additional stakes.

Sparse Supernatural Explanation

The legend is presented well in the film, but the film offers few answers beyond atmosphere, which may bother some people.

Final Thoughts on The Black-Eyed Children

The Black Eyed Children is a bit of a slow burn, which I didn’t really mind, even if it occasionally felt a bit too slow, but it’s fairly tense at times, and if you appreciate psychological dread and some creepy folklore it’s fine.

The Black-Eyed Children Trailer
The Black-Eyed Children on IMDB
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