Children Of Men, directed by Alfonso Cuaron (Tyler)

Children Of Men is a gritty, intense, and sometimes sweet film. Set in 2027, the basic premise is that humanity has become unable to reproduce for the past 18 years. Most of the world has fallen into a state of collapse and destruction and Britain is the only country to have some semblance of order. There are many refugees (derogatorily called “fugees” by the British) from the rest of the world trying to get asylum from the wars ravaging the outside world. Britain has become isolationist and enacts harsh anti-immigration laws while rounding up and ousting refugees.

Theo Faron (Clive Owen) is a British citizen and former activist turned cynical civil servant. His ex-wife (Julianne Moore), who leads an activist group called the “Fishes,” enlists his help in getting immigration papers for a refugee named Kee (Clare-Hope Ashitey). This in turn gets him wrapped up in a larger ordeal. Theo ends up accompanying Kee, who turns out to be the first woman in 18 years to be pregnant, and trying bring her to a group who is working on a cure for human infertility. Encountering trouble from both the paramilitary police and revolutionary activists on a journey through Britain, Theo and Kee meet many different aspects of humanity.

Throughout the movie we see some harsh aspects of humans “othering” people, as well as some of the most heartwarming acts of support and perseverance in the face of adversity. The film has references to political, theological, and pop events of the past as well as art by the graffiti artist “Banksy”. I find some movies that try to integrate pop culture references and politics end of feeling cheaper and dated because of it but this movie still feels very relevant. It uses these elements in a way that makes you more connected to the world it portrays.

This movie is one of my all time favorites and has some very memorable moments. After seeing one of the more emotional scenes in this movie you may have a completely different idea of the joke “pull my finger”.