The Shortcut:
Parvulos has an intriguing idea and makes good on some of its more…bizarre moments, but never really does much to make it stand out aside from a few bits of absurd comedy. Started out strong, didn’t maintain the momentum.
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The Long Route:
Parvulos definitely achieves the odd nature it’s going for, but it doesn’t do much for itself, especially in comparison to other similar apocalyptic horror films.
In terms of writing, there are a few moments that are written exceptionally well and give us interesting insight into the central characters and the secret in the basement. As the story develops, things only become more intriguing. That is, until things stagnate. The biggest twists are played too early, resulting in a film that has little to offer in terms of higher stakes, even near the ending. The bits of comedy throughout work well as comic relief.
Visuals are on the bland side. You see what they’re trying to achieve by giving everything the bleak look it has via the tinting, but it’s the same thing many similar post-apocalyptic films have done. The practicals are on the lacking side, especially the makeup, though it seems more like that’s due to them not being able to dance around their low budget. There are some great shots of the various settings, but nothing really stands out for the cinematography.
Norma Flores and Horacio F. Lazo do well as the parents, with some especially convincing moments only because of their performances. The kid actors do as fine as expected with their emoting. The overall cast is…fine, but no stand out performers.
There are a couple well done compositions in the soundtrack, with the rest serving as decent enough accompanying pieces for their scenes. The sound effects were very hit or miss, with moments where it worked for some violent scenes, and others where it very much didn’t.
Parvulos is odd, but not done well enough to be anything more than a mediocre odd film.
-Joseph
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ffU7pglo5os
