“The only two constants in life are family and change.” Hailing from Mexico, the visually and emotionally evocative “Párvulos” made its world premiere at the Fantasia Festival. Prepare for a coming-of-age/zombie apocalypse film for the ages in one of the simplest yet most efficient ways of them all.
Three young brothers (Farid Escalante Correa, Leonardo Cervantes, and Mateo Ortega Casillas) cling to life in a bleak and desolate post-apocalyptic Mexico, where survival is the only currency. They have learned to fend for themselves without their parents, developing gardening and hunting techniques to feed themselves.
Their house’s basem*nt, a space that should be a refuge, harbors a terrifying secret that the brothers have learned to live with—a secret that has become as much a part of their lives as the mundane chores they perform in the name of survival. Yet, it is not the horror that lurks below but the encroaching threat from outside that ultimately shatters their fragile microcosm. The boys’ existence, built on a delicate balance of routine and resilience, is slowly and inevitably fractured by the relentless horrors pressing in from the outside world.
Directed by Isaac Ezban with a masterful blend of terror and tenderness, “Párvulos” follows the harrowing journey of three young brothers as they navigate a world ravaged by a catastrophic virus. This virus, much like the one found in the annals of George A. Romero’s apocalyptic visions, has turned much of humanity into grotesque, zombie-like creatures. However, what sets it apart from the plethora of zombie horrors is its poignant focus on the brothers’ struggle to maintain their innocence and humanity in a world where both seem all but lost. “Párvulos” is more than just a horror film; it is a touching coming-of-age story that delves deep into the emotional and psychological toll of growing up in a world gone mad.
Visually, the film is a masterpiece of understated beauty. The almost monochromatic palette, tinged with subtle hues of clarity, mirrors the brothers’ fading hope and the stark reality of their world. This deliberate choice of color grading enhances the narrative, reflecting a world that has lost its vibrancy, where the rare flashes of brighter colors—the cherished objects that bring fleeting moments of joy—stand out like beacons in the darkness.
The film’s soundtrack is another standout element, seamlessly shifting from moments of exhilaration to heart-wrenching despair. It is almost poetic in its ability to capture the emotional landscape of the film. The music, much like the narrative, oscillates between the tender and the terrifying, offering a glimpse into the internal world of the brothers as they navigate their harsh reality. This dynamic score, paired with the film’s gorgeously grotesque makeup and practical effects, elevates “Párvulos” from a simple horror movie to a deeply moving cinematic experience.
The eldest brother’s struggle to take on the role of caretaker in the absence of their parents adds another layer of complexity to the story. His attempts to shield his younger siblings from the horrors of the outside world often clash with their innocence in a way that is both warming and heartbreaking. This familial bond, strained but unbreakable, is the emotional core of the film.
Escalante, Cervantes, and Ortega Casillas, the three young actors who portray the brothers, deliver performances that are nothing short of remarkable. Their authenticity is a rare find in cinema, especially in the horror genre, where the nuances of genuine emotion often give way to the more overt demands of the genre.
This trio of actors, who definitely have a promising future in cinema, convey a raw, unfiltered realism that makes their plight all the more heart-wrenching. They do not merely recite lines; they live their roles, bringing to life the innocence, fear, and hope that their characters cling to amid the chaos.
Their father’s words—”the only two constants in life are family and change”—echo throughout the narrative, underscoring the brothers’ unwavering commitment to each other even as their world crumbles around them. “Párvulos” will undoubtedly draw comparisons to other emotionally charged zombie films, such as “Train to Busan,” but it carves out its own unique space in the genre.
It is not a film that relies on jump scares or gratuitous gore to terrify its audience. Instead, it masterfully blends the heartache of living in a world of horror with the universal themes of growing up, trusting your siblings, and doing whatever it takes for your family. In the end, “Párvulos” is as much a story about the bonds of brotherhood as it is about the horrors of a world gone wrong—a tear-jerker that lingers long after the credits roll.
It receives 4.25 eyes out of 5.
