When the Children Come: Exploring the Eerie and Enchanting World of Children of the Eye

In the realm of horror cinema, few films have left such an enduring mark as "Children of the Eye" (1978),a Spanish masterpiece that weaves a haunting and unforgettable tale of children possessed by an unknown force. Directed by Juan Piquer Simón, the film transports viewers into a world where the innocence of childhood is corrupted, and the boundary between reality and the supernatural blurs.

When the children come (Children of the Eye Book 1)

by Barry Kirwan

4.4 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	6265 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Screen Reader	:	Supported
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
Word Wise	:	Enabled
Print length	:	296 pages
Lending	:	Enabled

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The Premise

The film centers on the Alarcón family, who move into an isolated country estate in the countryside. Little do they know that the house holds a sinister secret: it was once the site of a horrific ritual that sacrificed seven young children. As the Alarcón children begin to explore their new surroundings, they encounter a group of peculiar and unsettling children who live in the woods surrounding the property.

These children, known as the Children of the Eye, possess strange powers and communicate through a series of eerie sounds. As time goes on, the Alarcón children become increasingly drawn to their mysterious counterparts, and soon find themselves falling under their influence.

The Children of the Eye

The Children of the Eye are central to the film's unsettling atmosphere. They are ethereal beings, dressed in white robes with their faces concealed behind painted masks. Their movements are unnatural and robotic, and their eyes possess an unnatural glow that reflects the otherworldly nature of their existence.

The Children's powers are both subtle and devastating. They can manipulate objects with their minds, control animals, and even create illusions. They are driven by a thirst for blood, and their victims are typically innocent children.

The Alarcón Children

The Alarcón children, on the other hand, represent the innocence and vulnerability of childhood. They are unaware of the danger that surrounds them, and their cheerful laughter and playful antics contrast starkly with the sinister presence of the Children of the Eye.

As the film progresses, the Alarcón children become pawns in the Children's deadly game. Their minds are corrupted, and they begin to turn against their own parents. The scene where little Maite Alarcón stabs her father with a knife is one of the most chilling and unforgettable moments in horror cinema.

The Atmosphere

"Children of the Eye" is renowned for its eerie and atmospheric cinematography. The film's setting, an isolated country estate surrounded by dense forests, creates a sense of claustrophobia and isolation. The use of shadows, fog, and eerie sound effects further enhances the film's unsettling atmosphere.

The film's score, composed by Ángel Luis Ramírez, is a masterpiece of suspense and dread. The haunting melody that accompanies the Children's appearances lingers in the viewer's mind long after the credits have rolled.

Themes and Symbolism

Beneath its surface of horror, "Children of the Eye" explores several profound themes. The film examines the loss of innocence, the dangers of unchecked power, and the destructive nature of evil.

The Children of the Eye can be seen as a symbol of the dark side of childhood, the hidden fears and desires that lurk beneath the surface of every child's heart. They represent the potential for evil that exists within each of us, and the importance of resisting their temptations.

Legacy

Since its release, "Children of the Eye" has become a cult classic among horror fans. Its unique atmosphere, eerie characters, and unforgettable score have earned it a place in the pantheon of great horror films.

The film has also influenced numerous other works of horror, including the popular Spanish horror anthology "[REC]" (2007). Its themes of childhood innocence corrupted by evil have resonated with audiences around the world, and continue to inspire new generations of horror filmmakers.

"Children of the Eye" is a masterpiece of horror cinema, a film that explores the dark side of childhood and the destructive nature of evil. Its eerie atmosphere, unsettling characters, and profound themes have left an enduring mark on the genre. Whether you're a seasoned horror aficionado or a newcomer to the realm of fear, "Children of the Eye" is a must-watch that will stay with you long after the final credits have rolled.

When the children come (Children of the Eye Book 1)

by Barry Kirwan

4.4 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	6265 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Screen Reader	:	Supported
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
Word Wise	:	Enabled
Print length	:	296 pages
Lending	:	Enabled

FREE