The Child (1940) movie backdrop
The Child (1940) movie poster
194085 minFamily, Drama, Comedy

The Child

The Child Movie Hit or Flop?

FLOP

Verdict:The Child is a confirmed FLOP based on our analysis of audience ratings and box office momentum.

With a rating of 6.4/10, it has delivered a mixed experience for fans of the Family, Drama, Comedy genre.

Is The Child Worth Watching?

Answer: Yes, The Child is definitely worth watching if you enjoy Family movies.

It features a runtime of 85 minutes and offers a standard storyline that appeals to general audiences.

6.45 votes
85Minutes
1940Release Year
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The Child Review

Last updated: January 11, 2026

🎬 The Premise

Released in 1940, The Child enters the Family genre with a narrative focused on The action begins one early summer morning in a hostel, where we see, among others, two young girls, a law student, Ruth, and a small office lady, Ilse. Under the direction of Benjamin Christensen, the film attempts to weave detailed character arcs with visual storytelling.

🎭 Cast & Performance

The film is anchored by performances from Agis Winding, Charles Tharnæs, Beatrice Bonnesen. While the cast delivers competent performances, the script occasionally limits their range.

🎥 Technical Mastery & Style

From a technical standpoint, The Child offers a competent presentation. The cinematography uses a distinct visual palette that aligns well with the tone. The sharp editing keeps the narrative moving at a brisk pace, maximizing the impact of the key sequences.

🌍 Social Impact & Cultural Context

Beyond the narrative, The Child resonates with current cultural themes in the Family space. It stays within the established boundaries of its genre, providing exactly what core fans expect without reinventing the wheel.

📺 Where to Watch & Streaming Info

As of January 2026, The Child is available in theaters worldwide. For streaming audiences in the US, UK, and India, look for availability on major platforms roughly 45-60 days after the theatrical release. Don't miss the high-definition experience provided by premium large format (PLF) screenings.

📖 Narrative Arc & Plot Breakdown

The plot of The Child centers on a unique premise within the Family landscape. The action begins one early summer morning in a hostel, where we see, among others, two young girls, a law student, Ruth, and a small office lady, Ilse. From their conversation, we understand that Ilse has a very bourgeois outlook on life. By chance, these two girls come across one of Ruth's fellow students, Pontus Berthelsen, who is spending the summer holidays in a fisherman's cabin. Ilse, who has little world experience, quickly takes an interest in Pontus, who possesses a lot of innate charm. Pontus does his best to conquer Ilse, but her bourgeois attitude means - at first - that she does not fall for his rather deft approaches. The second act serves as a major turning point, leading to a climax that fans of 1940 cinema will find fairly predictable.

💡 Ending Explained & Sequel Potential

The ending of The Child has sparked significant debate on social media. It signifies the ambiguous resolution of the main plot thread. Given the current box office momentum, discussions of a The Child sequel or a wider cinematic universe are already gaining traction.

📝 Final Editorial Verdict

Final verdict for The Child (1940): with an audience rating of 6.4/10, the reception has been divisive. It is a recommended for fans of Family, Drama, Comedy cinema who appreciate attention to detail.

Parents Guide & Age Rating

Not Rated
The Child has not been officially rated yet.

Final Verdict

Analyzing the audience sentiment, IMDb rating of 6.4/10, and global collection metrics, The Child stands as a challenging project for the creators. It remains an essential piece of the 1940 cinematic year.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is The Child movie hit or flop?

The Child has received mixed reviews with a 6.4/10 rating, making it a moderate success with the audience.

Is The Child worth watching?

The Child is a mixed bag. It might be worth watching if you're a fan of Family, Drama, Comedy movies, but read reviews first.

What genre is The Child?

The Child is a Family, Drama, Comedy movie that The action begins one early summer morning in a hostel, where we see, among others, two young girls, a law student, Ruth, and a small office lady, Ils...

Explore More Verdicts

Expert Consensus
Live Rating
MOVIEMX
★ 6.4
The Child
<a href="https://moviemx.in/review/the-child-183979" target="_blank" style="text-decoration:none;"><div style="background:#121212;border:1px solid #f5c518;border-radius:12px;padding:15px;width:180px;text-align:center;font-family:sans-serif;box-shadow:0 10px 20px rgba(0,0,0,0.3);"><div style="color:#f5c518;font-size:10px;font-weight:900;letter-spacing:2px;">MOVIEMX</div><div style="color:white;font-size:28px;font-weight:900;margin:8px 0;">★ 6.4</div><div style="color:#888;font-size:12px;font-weight:500;">The Child</div></div></a>

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More with Agis Winding

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People Also Ask (FAQs)

Is The Child movie hit or flop?

The Child has received mixed reviews with a 6.4/10 rating, making it a moderate success with the audience.

Is The Child worth watching?

The Child is a mixed bag. It might be worth watching if you're a fan of Family, Drama, Comedy movies, but read reviews first.

What genre is The Child?

The Child is a Family, Drama, Comedy movie that The action begins one early summer morning in a hostel, where we see, among others, two young girls, a law student, Ruth, and a small office lady, Ils...

Is The Child family friendly?

Yes, The Child is suitable for family viewing as it falls under the Family, Drama, Comedy genre.

Where can I watch The Child?

You can find streaming options and availability for The Child on popular platforms. Check movieMx for the latest updates and reviews.

Who is the main cast of The Child?

The Child features a talented cast. Check our "Top Cast" section to see the full list of actors and the characters they play in this film.

How long is the movie The Child?

The runtime and duration of The Child are available in the movie details section. It's a gripping story that keeps you engaged from start to finish.

Critic Reviews

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