I sought this out based on Edgar Wright's list of 10 lesser known recommended movies. I found it on the BFI double-disc set (vol 4) of public information films (called Stop! Look! Listen!), along with some other eerie curios about the danger of strangers, water, fire, speeding etc (the one about strangers is almost as disturbing as Apaches).
Apaches is fascinating. Throughout, its clear that John Mackenzie (The Long Good Friday) is really dedicated to the project, the writing and direction are beyond what you'd expect. There's some great photography and moments, and how the kids riff on American TV tropes is fun. Things I noticed:
- Although insanely dark (innocent kids getting accidentally killed on a farm), I also can't help but find it quite funny at times. Its like the worst kind of black humour. - Listening to the kids shouting/talking led to me wanting to see the next kill, which made me feel pretty shameful, like some twisted version of the 'Final Destination' formula. - The narration of the boy over key scenes is really effective. - There are lots of disturbing juxtapositions: the kids using American cop TV lingo in their games whilst being kids on a farm, the kids play against the parents laying a table for a wake, the innocence of play against the brutal potential deathtraps on a farm.
However amusing it might feel at times, by the end credits you'll feel disturbed.
