Amelia’s Children (2024) – A Portuguese Horror Comedy About Strange Family

“Amelia’s Children” is a Portuguese horror comedy centered around a suspicious wife, her oblivious husband, and his eerie family. While the film is amusing, its humor often targets the characters and their Freudian anxieties. The quasi-gothic setting adds to the amusement, but the film falls short of being truly satirical or campy, despite its perverse sense of humor.

In “Amelia’s Children,” Ryley discovers a strange conspiracy involving incest and possibly the supernatural when her naive husband Ed visits his decrepit and estranged mother, Amelia. The situation becomes even more amusing as Ryley is uncomfortable with Amelia’s botched plastic surgery, and Ed’s brother Manuel, who resembles him, has long hair and wears cowboy boots. Additionally, there are hints of something mysterious in the family’s basement.

“Amelia’s Children” is both familiar and unique. It may remind you of recent films like the gross-out “Barbarian” or classics like Stuart Gordon’s “Castle Freak.” Another reference point could be “Diamantino,” a 2018 fantasy film about a dim man unintentionally becoming a symbol of Portuguese fascism, which shares actor Carloto Cotta with “Amelia’s Children.” This wink to the audience adds to the film’s appeal for those already familiar with these works.

“Amelia’s Children” is a subtly restrained old dark house movie where the cast’s chemistry and comedic timing shine. The film’s awkward silences are filled with heated exchanges and deadpan expressions, creating a pulpy and cheeky atmosphere. While it may not appeal to everyone, it maintains a charmingly grotesque allure, even when not intentionally playing with the audience’s expectations.

“Amelia’s Children” is a quirky old house movie with great chemistry among the cast. It’s pulpy and cheeky, filled with awkward yet entertaining exchanges and deadpan humor. While it may not be for everyone, its charm lies in its subtle grotesqueness.

The humor in “Amelia’s Children” can be described as conceptual, with the scenario itself serving as the joke. It’s delivered with a straight face, requiring attention to the characters’ unintentional acknowledgment of their absurd situations. The film begins with a flashback to a child abduction incident at a gothic villa. In the present, Ed unknowingly activates a mysterious smartphone app accessory called a “gene reader,” setting the stage for the unfolding comedic chaos.

Ed uses an app called AnceStory to find information about his family since he was abandoned as a baby. Ryley supports him and accompanies him on a trip to meet his mother, twin brother, and deal with his unresolved past. They share an easy rapport, often teasing each other, like when Ryley attempts to order a local dish using a language translator app, resulting in humorous misunderstandings. Their interactions highlight their genuine connection. However, Ryley feels uncomfortable when Ed’s mother suggests she should paint her portrait, showcasing the awkward dynamics between them.

Some viewers might find “Amelia’s Children” frustrating if they expect more aggressive or grisly humor from director Gabriel Abrantes. However, Abrantes excels at subtly exaggerating the psychosexual subtext of the characters’ dysfunctional relationships. The film’s humor revolves around Ed’s misguided search for his roots, which Ryley sees through, transforming what seems like a fairy tale to some into a horror story for others.

“Amelia’s Children” will likely appeal to horror fans, although it may not suit everyone’s taste. The film includes unsettling and gross moments, such as when Ryley eavesdrops on Amelia using a translator app, and the phone ominously declares, “She’s listening.” Additionally, there are humorous, quirky moments throughout, like when Amelia delivers an overly dramatic monologue about time, and Ryley awkwardly responds with politeness.

While Gabriel Abrantes could have been more daring in his approach, the attempts he and his team make are still effective, featuring unique timing and clever humor.