In exploring the concept of a natural constant, some might argue that family represents the ultimate unchanging element in our lives because it always offers some level of stability. However, a more pragmatic (or cynical) viewpoint suggests that the only true constant is change itself. This perspective is vividly illustrated in Isaac Ezban’s film PÁRVULOS, which screened at the Fantasia International Film Festival. Ezban (known for his work on THE INCIDENT and EVIL EYE) crafts a dystopian narrative where three young brothers navigate a post-apocalyptic world ravaged by a viral pandemic. In PÁRVULOS, the children’s struggle for survival amid a constantly shifting landscape highlights how change (rather than stability) is the only constant in their existence and reflects a more cynical yet poignant truth about the human condition.
In the not-too-distant future, after a global disaster wipes out most of humanity, three brothers are stuck living in a remote cabin, where each of them deals with their new world in their own way. The different ways they handle their situation create a mix of tension and empathy among the brothers. Salvador (Farid Escalante Correa) and Oliver (Leonardo Cervantes), the older siblings, remember what life was like before and have settled into a routine to keep themselves fit and try to piece together a normal life. Meanwhile, seven-year-old Benny (Mateo Ortega Casillas) is just trying to hold onto his childhood innocence. He wants a pet and doesn’t fully get why they need to eat all this meat to survive. Benny’s also freaked out by the creepy noises coming from the basement; he constantly hears growls and chains rattling but is told he is too small to go down there.
In the first few minutes of PÁRVULOS (which translates to “toddler”), Ezban quickly sets up a gripping world with minimal explanation. Salvador, one of the three brothers, is missing a leg below the knee, which serves as a reminder of the disaster that has wiped out all of humanity (including their parents). The brothers are holed up in an isolated cabin, but their refuge isn’t exactly safe. There’s a terrifying creature living in the basement that needs to be fed regularly to keep it from attacking. Even though the film doesn’t spell out everything, Ezban does a great job showing us the brothers’ grim reality and their past life. Through their daily routines and glimpses of their old world, we get a clear picture of their struggle to adapt and survive while trying to hold onto some sense of normalcy.
In just the first 15 minutes of the film (before the title card even drops), Ezban masterfully sets up a vivid and intricate world while delving into the complex dynamics of the three brothers. Mirroring the theme in Life is Beautiful, the youngest sibling, Benny, is shielded from the harsh reality of their post-apocalyptic existence by his older brothers. Salvador and Oliver work tirelessly to create a semblance of normalcy for him and construct a fantasy world to protect his innocence amidst the devastation. However, maintaining this fabricated reality becomes increasingly difficult because as time progresses, Benny starts to catch on to the truth about their bleak situation. Remarkably, he adjusts to the harsh new reality faster than Salvador and Oliver and shows impressive resilience and courage for his age. His ability to quickly adapt contrasts with his brothers’ struggle to come to terms with their world because unfortunately Benny is too young to remember the before times.
The film’s visuals really pull you in and set a powerful mood. The dull, washed-out colors make the post-apocalyptic world feel extra bleak and highlight the difference between the brothers’ dreary reality and their attempts to hold onto some normalcy. The cabin they live in, with its dark corners and harsh lighting, makes everything feel cramped and tense, while the shadowy glimpses of the monster in the basement add a chilling sense of danger. The camera work often sticks close to the characters, which makes you feel their isolation and the constant threat they’re facing. On the other hand, the rare wide shots of the empty, desolate outside world emphasize just how cut off they are from everything they used to know. And all together, these visual choices create an eerie atmosphere and really pull you into the story and the characters’ struggles.
The mystery of the basement is just the beginning of the ongoing journey the three brothers go through. As the film progresses, it feels almost like a series of episodic adventures, not unlike a condensed version of The Walking Dead. Each “episode” or encounter brings its own unique challenges and threats, with some being more intense and impactful than others. While this episodic structure can make the movie feel a bit longer than necessary, it does keep the tension and drama high throughout. The variety of experiences—from eerie encounters to harrowing survival moments—builds up the film’s emotional weight. And the final encounter, in particular, doesn’t hold back and delivers a punch that will leave a lasting impression. It is this gripping finale that ensures the movie will linger in audiences’ minds.
Despite featuring a cast predominantly made up of young performers, PÁRVULOS showcases impressive acting that brings depth to its characters. While the post-apocalyptic zombie storyline might seem familiar and a bit overdone, it’s the strong sibling connection that truly sets this movie apart. The actors (especially the younger ones) deliver nuanced performances that breathe life into their roles and make their struggles feel real and poignant. The emotional bond between the brothers adds layers to the narrative and transforms what could be a standard genre film into a deeply affecting experience. Witnessing the powerful portrayal of family dynamics amidst a familiar backdrop of zombies is what makes the film memorable.
Tags: Evil Eye, Fantasia Film Festival, Fantasia Film Festival 2024, Farid Escalante Correa, Film Festivals, Isaac Ezban, Leonardo Cervantes, Life is Beautiful, Mateo Ortega Casillas, Parvulos, The Incident, the walking dead
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