INNOCENCE

Cinemavixion Review

Hilary Brougher's 2013 film "Innocence" plunges into the dark underbelly of elite Manhattan society, weaving a tale of vampiric rituals disguised as a coming-of-age story. The narrative follows Beckett Warner, a young woman who, following her mother's tragic death, moves to the city and enrolls at the prestigious Hamilton School. There, she not only navigates the complexities of first love but also uncovers a sinister secret: the school is controlled by a coven of seductive women who maintain their eternal youth through the blood of virgins. While the film garnered a modest box office return of $294,039 and received a critical reception reflecting its polarizing themes, with Rotten Tomatoes awarding it 20% and Metacritic a score of 26/100, it offers a unique, albeit unsettling, exploration of desire, power, and the price of immortality. Sophie Lane Curtis, Kelly Reilly, and Graham Phillips anchor the cast, bringing a palpable tension to the unfolding mystery. "Innocence" is a film that dares to be different, blending gothic horror with adolescent drama in a way that is both intriguing and cautionary.