Child - Review

***

Directed by Cyrus Neshvad

Certificate 18, 80 minutes (2026)

Child, Cyrus Neshvad’s debut full-length feature sets out to be an intriguing psychological horror. Filmed entirely in Luxembourg – and with much of the action set deep in eastern Europe, a decision that clearly taps into an American market that has long perceived central European locations as being full of horrific potential – Neshvad’s narrative explores the brutal, criminal amorality of organ harvesting.

Brigitte Urhausen and Malik Zidi are Anne and Greg, a married couple now estranged, whose son Leo is in intensive care awaiting a vital transplant. We follow their drive across the continent to collect the (unspecified) organ, from a mercenary mafia based deep in the forest. Neshvad also lobs into the plot an understandably vengeful mother played by Lydia Indjova whose child has been murdered by the organ harvesters. If his plot had remained there, exploring the potentially terrifying dynamic between these three parents, with also perhaps a deeper look at the medical professionals who are clearly complicit in this despicable trade, then the film would have made a far more satisfying view.

Neshvad chooses however to introduce a freakish monster into the tale, itself the victim of mutilation from years gone by, and what could have been a truly intriguing and terrifying narrative, descends into far shallower waters. Neshvad’s plot, and its action sequences defy credibility. Longlisted for the 2027 Oscars, the movie may be beautifully photographed and equally well acted, and with excellent sound and visual effects, it is ultimately a disappointing tale that could have been so much more.

In cinemas from 2nd October