Don't Grow Up is a post-apocalyptic horror film released in 2015, directed by Thierry Poiraud and starring Fergus Riordan, Madeleine Kelly, and McKell David. The story revolves around a group of teenagers who must survive in a world where all the adults have turned violent and started attacking the youth. The movie opens with a group of teenagers living in a government-run facility on an isolated island. The group includes a range of characters, from the tough and rebellious Bastien (Fergus Riordan) to the kind-hearted and responsible Shirley (Madeleine Kelly). While the kids are used to living in a structured environment with strict rules, they soon find themselves dealing with something much worse than the occasional disciplinary action.
One morning, the kids wake up to find that all the adults on the island have mysteriously disappeared. At first, they think it's some kind of elaborate prank or test, but soon they realize that something much more sinister is going on. The adults have all turned into violent, zombie-like beings intent on attacking and killing the teenagers.
The group quickly bands together to try to survive, but they soon realize that their biggest challenge may be themselves. As the pressure and fear builds, tensions rise and the group begins to fracture. Some of the kids want to stick together and try to find a way off the island, while others give into their darker impulses and start to turn on one another.
The horror of the situation is amplified by the setting â the world is already so bleak and dark that it feels like the end of the world has already come. The film takes place in a desolate landscape with dilapidated buildings and graffiti-covered walls. The cinematography is excellent, with wide shots of the abandoned island that help to emphasize how lonely and isolated the teenagers are.
One of the film's strengths is its cast of young actors. They do an excellent job of conveying the terror and desperation of their situation, and their performances help to build tension and suspense throughout the movie. Fergus Riordan, who plays the tough-as-nails Bastien, delivers a standout performance, bringing a level of intensity and ferocity to the role that is both believable and chilling.
Another aspect of the film that works well is the way it plays with audience expectations. There are several moments where it seems like the teenagers might be rescued or escape, only for their hopes to be dashed at the last minute. The film also introduces some intriguing elements into the mix â for instance, there are hints that the government is somehow responsible for what's happening, although this is never fully explored.
Overall, Don't Grow Up is a tense and well-executed horror movie that will keep you on the edge of your seat. The film takes a familiar premise â teenagers struggling to survive in a post-apocalyptic world â and puts a unique spin on it with its blend of horror and suspense. The ending, while not entirely satisfying, does a good job of maintaining the film's bleak and uncompromising tone. If you're a fan of horror movies or post-apocalyptic stories, this is definitely one to check out.