Children of Men is one of the best films of the 21^st century. And no one can tell me otherwise! Alfonso Cuaron assumes a general intelligence in the viewer, thus much of the plot/world is shown in the background, hiding just beneath the surface. More often than not, the foreground is merely a distraction. There’s no opening scroll to tell us that by 2027, humanity is infertile. We only need to be told a few things, here and there. Children of Men is a masterclass in cinema in all areas. The direction and cinematography make the viewing as bleak and unforgiving as the world we are watching. The nerve-shredding tracking shots will have you biting your fingernails off. It’s themes (or looks) haven’t aged badly in the slightest.

children of men tracking shot — Peekaboo!

In fact, in this age of Trump and Brexit, this is a prescient look at our future. Although 2027 looks bleak and unforgiving (and most of the English people depicted are scumbags!), there’s always hopes. In the midst of desolation, there’s light at the end of the tunnel. One of the best films of modern times.