‘Come out, come out, wherever you are.’
Come Out and Play – original title: Juego se Ninos – is a 2012 Mexican horror film directed by Russian director Makinov and starring Vinessa Shaw and Ebon Moss-Bachrach.
The film is a remake of the 1976 Spanish classic Who Can Kill a Child?
Plot:
Beth (Vinessa Shaw) and Francis (Ebon Moss-Bachrach), a young married couple, are on holiday together when they venture to a beautiful, but remote, island. Beth is pregnant and the two are hoping to enjoy their last vacation before their baby is born.
When they arrive, they notice that while there are plenty of children present, the adults all seem to be missing. Initially attributing this to the after effects of a recent festival, they quickly realise something far more sinister is afoot. The two will face terror and unsettling, disturbing decisions in their quest to make it off the island alive…
Background:
Director Makinov was born in Belarus. The elusive director refuses to disclose his first and last name. He began his career as a focus puller in Russia, and later travelled to Mexico to study and shoot two documentary films on Huichol shamanism.
After what he describes as a near-death experience, he forged a new identity, referring to himself as Makinov. He believes that by punishing the ego through anonymity, he can command the wisdom of being one with nothing. Hence he wears a red hood in interviews and whilst directing. Here he “explains” his approach :
Reviews:
“Whether or not Come Out and Play is “better” than Who Can Kill a Child? is a decision for those who care enough about homicidal children to check both movies out. Taken only on its own merits, Come Out and Play is well-shot, well-performed, and rather quietly suspenseful. And then all hell breaks loose.” FEARnet
“If anything, Come Out and Play is generic to the core, a cut and paste horror-thriller that still manages to deliver on both production value and intensity. And while most of the remake is a slow burn, the finale will have most viewers on the edge of their seat in absolute shock.” Bloody Disgusting
