The Children of October 7

Review: The Children of October 7

The director and his team have accomplished something truly extraordinary with The Children of October 7. This is not just a film - it's a testimony. It is a documentary that everyone on this planet needs to witness, no matter how difficult it may be to watch. What the creators have managed to capture is more than just a recounting of horrific events; they have provided a deeply human, sensitively portrayed account through the most fragile yet powerful lens imaginable - the eyes of the children who lived through it.

From the first moments of the film, it becomes clear that the crew approached the story with immense care and respect. The narrative never feels exploitative or forced. Instead, it allows the children's voices to carry the weight of their experiences, without unnecessary dramatization or emotional manipulation. This sensitive handling is present throughout the entire movie, even during the most harrowing moments when the stories being told are almost too painful to comprehend. The team's restraint and compassion are palpable, and it is what makes the documentary so impactful.

The children's testimonies are raw, honest, and heartbreakingly vivid. Listening to them recount what they saw, what they felt, and how their lives were shattered forces the audience to confront the human cost of tragedy in its purest form. These are not seasoned storytellers or trained actors - these are young souls trying to find words for experiences no one should ever have to endure. The sheer authenticity of their words and expressions leaves an indelible mark.

One of the most remarkable achievements of The Children of October 7 is its ability to balance unbearable sadness with dignity. The film does not fall into despair; it refuses to strip the children of their agency or their humanity. Instead, it highlights their resilience, their struggle to comprehend the incomprehensible, and in some cases, even their small sparks of hope. The documentary becomes not only a record of loss but also a tribute to the strength of the human spirit - particularly that of the youngest among us.

The cinematography and editing choices complement the tone perfectly. There are no flashy techniques or unnecessary embellishments; everything is crafted to keep the focus squarely on the children and their stories. Quiet shots, natural lighting, and moments of stillness give the film an authenticity that heightens its emotional power. Even the musical score is used sparingly and wisely, enhancing the emotional landscape without overwhelming it.

It is not an easy movie to watch - nor should it be. Some scenes are deeply unsettling, not because of any graphic imagery, but because of the raw emotional truths being shared. The bravery of these children, willing to open up their wounds in front of a camera, is nothing short of staggering. Equally brave are the filmmakers, who chose to sit with that pain, honor it, and share it with the world in the most respectful way possible.

The Children of October 7 is a film that demands reflection. It is a reminder of the real human beings behind the headlines and statistics. It insists that we see, listen, and remember - not just the events, but the lives altered forever. It is a film that calls for empathy, for action, and most of all, for remembrance.

In an age where desensitization to violence and tragedy is a real risk, this movie re-centers us on what truly matters: the human stories. The real faces. The innocent lives caught in the crossfire. It is an experience that will leave you shaken, humbled, and forever changed.

No words can truly do justice to what these children endured, but The Children of October 7 gives them the platform they deserve. And for that, we owe the director, the team, and most importantly, the children themselves, our deepest gratitude.

This is not just a film to watch - it is a film to bear witness to.

Deeply moving documentary that amplifies the voices of Israeli children who endured the horrors of the October 7 Hamas attack. Through raw, firsthand accounts, the film centers on their harrowing experiences of survival, captivity, and unimaginable loss, including witnessing parental deaths and home invasions, as activist Montana Tucker guides the conversations with empathy and sensitivity. The documentary's power lies in its unfiltered focus on resilience amid trauma, offering a platform for young survivors like Yael Idan and Ella Shani Kozin to recount their stories of hiding, escape, and enduring psychological scars. While the subject matter is undeniably distressing, the film avoids sensationalism, instead prioritizing the humanity and courage of its young subjects. It serves as a critical testament to the human toll of conflict, urging awareness of the ongoing impact on those who lived through the attacks.

A necessary but emotionally demanding watch.

What an important and wonderful documentary, sad and heartfelt, but ABSOLUTELY ruined by a half-witted woman with the most ridiculous questions ever: 'Do you miss your father?' and 'How did you feel when the terrorists came into your house?'), completely plastered in enough make-up to cover 3 elephants, jewellery to fill a entire shop, gold sunglesses, false plastic nails that you can clearly see she doesn't want anyone touching, her chest half exposed, and a wardrobe change in every scene. Who would ever dare to dress like that on a visit to such a war-torn area? - She's an insult to humanity.

After watching I'm left with a very strange feeling. On one hand, I'm so impressed and horrified by the stories of these brave children and seeing how they, even while answering, are struggling to cope with their feelings. It's really heartbreaking and humbling to hear them talk about how their families were killed and what they decided to do in that moment to have a chance at living. It left me speechless for quite some time.

But on the other hand, while watching from 'documentary-technical' point of view, I was getting increasingly frustrated by how Tucker was interviewing these kids. I don't believe she has ever heard of the term 'open-ended question' and I felt the kids were not able to fully express their thoughts and feelings because of this.

It really seems like she first considered what she herself would do or feel in that situation (which is a good attempt at empathy, of course) but then formulates her own perspective as the question. This leads to very steering questions with sometimes even value judgment pouring through and makes me wonder if the answer is truthful or a bit pressured by the way of asking.

For instance, (I'm creating a fictional and extreme example here because I want to make clear what I'm talking about and I don't want to use the real answers here in the review) a girl could tell her "and then I remained in my hiding place until everybody left." Tucker would then empathize and maybe think that she would feel guilty about not actively helping her family escape, too. In itself a very valid reaction, but then (in my example scenario, she didn't actually say this literally) she would probably pose her follow-up question like this: "Didn't you feel guilty about not helping your family?" If you're a bit like me you can already feel that the formulation of this question is wrong on so many levels...

But on the other hand, her being a star and influencer and getting, it seems, a good rapport with these children is very valuable indeed. The children seem at ease talking to her and that is also a part of interviewing which she actually does very well.

In the end, I don't know if the connection/rapport compensates for the obvious lack of interviewing skills but it did leave me with an unsatisfying feeling from a more 'technical' point of view...

I wish I didn't need to write a review for such a sad and important movie. In these times of lies and misinformation, it's crucial that people unconnected to the conflict get a chance to watch the accounts of those children who survived the attack on Oct 7th. Watch this movie to bear witness to the reality of terror and listen to the firsthand words of those children who survived.

Like the Holocaust, there are times in history where we want to look away- the pain and horror is too great, but the only way to honour the memories of those innocent lives taken is to see and hear with our own eyes. This movie, created by Montana Tucker, is a first person account that sears your heart, but leaves you with the knowledge and truth of what happened on Oct 7th. Evil made its way into the life of children and it's our duty to watch and share their stories with the world.