Children of the Pines

This is not your typical "slasher" horror film. Nor will you find it filled with blood, gore, knives, or chainsaws. If that happens to be your thing, then this movie isn't for you. (While there's some "violence," it's relatively tame in the scheme of things.)

This movie requires you to think ... and to appreciate its message.

At its core, it's about a dysfunctional family desperately seeking to correct the mistakes of the past and searching for "redemption."

What they ultimately discover, however, is not what they expected or desired.

Offering a lot of twists and turns, CHILDREN OF THE PINES is a compelling watch.

Children of the Pines (2024) is a hauntingly beautiful drama that blends mystery and emotion to tell a compelling story. Set in a remote, atmospheric location, the film follows a group of children uncovering dark secrets tied to their past. The story's layered narrative explores themes of loss, resilience, and the power of human connection.

The movie is elevated by its stunning cinematography, which captures the eerie yet captivating essence of its setting, and the performances from the young cast, who deliver remarkable depth and authenticity. The pacing strikes a fine balance between tension and heartfelt moments, keeping the audience engaged throughout.

With its emotional core and well-crafted storytelling, Children of the Pines leaves a lasting impression and is a must-watch for fans of thought-provoking dramas. A deeply moving cinematic experience that lingers long after the credits.

Children of the Pines is a fantastic work that sends chills down your spine while also leaving you wanting more. Each character has such an interesting and unique dynamic that draws you in every minute. The consequences that face each character after the horrific supernatural events that occur were written with a sense of genius that captivated me. I can't wait to see more of Joshua Morgan's work in the future, and hopefully more of the Kill the Lights universe.

The way Joshua Morgan writes and carries out a story is always done in the most captivating way. The metaphors for underlying relationship dynamics, paired with the outrageous twists in Children of the Pines pull you directly into the room alongside the characters. You meet and get to know each person deeply, and feel every emotion alongside them as they face the deeply disturbing consequences of their actions. You leave wondering how someone can come up with such an exhilarating original concept with incredibly engaging and relatable themes. A beautifully executed psychological thriller in every sense of the word!

Definitely worth a watch. The movie has no violence or gore, yet is suspenseful and entertaining. It keeps you on the edge of your seat the entire film. The viewer is pulled into the characters lives and back stories quickly. The shorter length of the film keeps the pace running very smoothly so that there is no dry time or wasted scenes. The movie also leaves the viewer to fill in some areas, which actually makes the story better. The actors all do a fantastic job of portraying their characters wonderfully. The creepy factor is pushed to an 11 and the viewer feels invested by the end. Great film all around.