Is Children Worth Watching?
Answer: Maybe not, Children is likely a skip if you enjoy Drama movies.
It features a runtime of 47 minutes and offers a standard storyline that appeals to general audiences.
Children Review
Last updated: January 13, 2026
Detailed Premise & Narrative Foundations
Released in the dynamic cinematic landscape of 1976, Children emerges as a significant entry in the Drama domain. The narrative core of the film focuses on a sophisticated exploration of Robert Tucker, a young gay man who is almost without affect, sits in various waiting rooms. Unlike standard genre fare, Children attempts to deconstruct traditional tropes, offering a conventional take on its central themes.
The screenplay, appearing to prioritize narrative momentum and immediate impact, sets a stage where the stakes feel personal yet universal. Under the directorial eye of Terence Davies, every scene is crafted to contribute to the atmospheric weight of the story, ensuring that the Drama elements serve the larger narrative arc rather than just providing spectacle.
Cast Performances: A Masterclass in Character Study
The success of any Drama is often anchored by its ensemble, and Children features a noteworthy lineup led by Phillip Mawdsley. Supported by the likes of Robin Hooper and Nick Stringer, the performances bring a palpable realism to the scripted words.
Performance Analysis: While the cast delivers competent and professional performances, they are occasionally hampered by a script that leans into familiar archetypes. However, the sheer charisma of Phillip Mawdsley, Robin Hooper, Nick Stringer manages to keep the audience invested through the film's more predictable sequences. In the broader context of 1976 cinema, these performances stand as a testament to the evolving standards of acting within the Drama space.
Directorial Vision & Technical Craftsmanship
From a technical perspective, Children is a marvel of 21st-century filmmaking. The cinematography, utilizing a moody and atmospheric color palette, significantly enhances the world-building aspects of the production. Each frame seems calculated to guide the viewer's emotional response, whether through wide, sweeping vistas or tight, claustrophobic close-ups that emphasize character isolation.
Technical Excellence: The production design and visual effects provide a solid foundation for the story, ensuring that the world of the film feels lived-in and authentic, even when the narrative logic falters. Furthermore, the sonic landscape—comprising both the score and sound design—adds a layer of subtextual narrative that rewards attentive viewers.
Narrative Pacing & Structural Integrity
The structure of Children follows a sophisticated brisk pace. Over its 47 minute duration, the film manages to balance exposition with action in a way that remains consistently entertaining. The second act, often the most difficult to manage, serves here as a crucible for character growth, leading toward a climax that feels both inevitable and surprising.
Critically, the editing choices by the team help maintain a narrative tension that rarely wavers. The sharp, concise editing ensures that not a single frame is wasted, making the film ideal for a modern audience that values efficiency in storytelling.
Cultural Impact & Global Resonance
Beyond its immediate entertainment value, Children resonates with contemporary social and cultural themes prevalent in the Drama landscape of 2026. It addresses concepts such as the nature of heroism and personal legacy with a level of maturity that is often missing from major releases.
This cultural relevance is likely why it has garnered a 5.5/10 rating on our platform. Films like this bridge the gap between niche interest and global appeal, proving that stories rooted in specific human experiences can find a home with audiences worldwide, from the US and UK to India and beyond.
Plot Breakdown & Philosophical Subtext
Analyzing the plot deeper, Children is more than just its synopsis. It is an inquiry into the complexity of relationships. Robert Tucker, a young gay man who is almost without affect, sits in various waiting rooms. As he sits, he recalls events from the year of his childhood when his father dies. He's ten or eleven that year, picked on by bullies at the Catholic school he attends. He seems friendless. At home, his mother is quiet, his father is ill and angry. After his father's death, there's a wake, the coffin arrives, the body is removed. The lad grieves, alone.
The philosophical underpinnings of the third act suggest a worldview that is standard for its genre yet executed with high professional polish. This is not just a commercial product; it is a piece of art that invites discussion long after the credits have finished rolling.
Final Verdict: Is it Worth Watching?
In summary, our editorial assessment of Children (1976) is overwhelmingly divisive. With an audience rating of 5.5/10 and strong performance metrics in the Drama categories, it stands as a highly recommended experience for genre enthusiasts.
Whether you choose to experience it for the stellar performances from Phillip Mawdsley, Robin Hooper, Nick Stringer or the visual majesty of its technical execution, Children is a significant contribution to the cinema of 1976. It represents the kind of filmmaking that movieMx is proud to champion—original, bold, and ultimately, deeply human.
Children Box Office Collection
| Metric / Region | Collection (Approx) |
|---|---|
| Production Budget | $500,000 |
| Trade Verdict | FINANCIAL DISAPPOINTMENT |
Children Budget
The estimated production budget for Children is $500,000. This figure covers principal photography, talent acquisitions, and visual effects. When accounting for global marketing and distribution, the break-even point is typically 2x the base production cost.
Where to Watch Children Online?
Streaming Hub📺 Stream on
Criterion Channel
BFI Player Amazon ChannelParents Guide & Age Rating
Children has not been officially rated yet.
Final Verdict
Analyzing the audience sentiment, IMDb rating of 5.5/10, and global collection metrics, Children stands as a challenging project for the creators. It remains an essential piece of the 1976 cinematic year.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Children movie hit or flop?
Children has received mixed reviews with a 5.5/10 rating, making it a moderate success with the audience.
Is Children worth watching?
Children is a mixed bag. It might be worth watching if you're a fan of Drama movies, but read reviews first.
Where can I watch Children online?
Children is currently available for streaming on Criterion Channel. You can also check for it on platforms like Criterion Channel, BFI Player Amazon Channel depending on your region.
Explore More Verdicts
Part of the The Terence Davies Trilogy
Explore the full watch order, ratings, and collection details.
View Full FranchiseSynopsis
Robert Tucker, a young gay man who is almost without affect, sits in various waiting rooms. As he sits, he recalls events from the year of his childhood when his father dies. He's ten or eleven that year, picked on by bullies at the Catholic school he attends. He seems friendless. At home, his mother is quiet, his father is ill and angry. After his father's death, there's a wake, the coffin arrives, the body is removed. The lad grieves, alone.