Children of the Corn

Children of the Corn

Year: 1984

Runtime: 92 min

Language: English

Director: Fritz Kiersch

ThrillerHorror

In this rural terror tale, 12-year-old Eden, possessed by a malevolent force in a desolate cornfield, rallies her peers against their flawed elders. The children, fueled by frustration and desperation, unleash a violent rebellion that claims countless lives. As the last adult standing, a high schooler must now confront the darkness to rescue their community from Eden's merciless grasp.

Warning: spoilers below!

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Timeline & Setting – Children of the Corn (1984)
Explore the full timeline and setting of Children of the Corn (1984). Follow every major event in chronological order and see how the environment shapes the story, characters, and dramatic tension.

Time period

Contemporary

The events of the film are set in contemporary times, revealing the consequences of fanaticism and the clash between innocence and horror. It brings forth themes of desperation and the fragility of societal norms as adults face the terrifying influence of a radicalized group of children.

Location

Gatlin, Nebraska

Gatlin is a fictional town known for its vast cornfields that play a crucial role in its economy and dark history. Once a peaceful place, it transforms into a refuge for a cult of children who follow a malevolent deity. The eerie atmosphere is amplified by the town's remote location, with secrets lurking in every shadow.

🏙️ Town 🌾 Cornfield 🔮 Cult

Last Updated: October 22, 2024 at 19:51

Main Characters – Children of the Corn (1984)
Meet the key characters of Children of the Corn (1984), with detailed profiles, motivations, and roles in the plot. Understand their emotional journeys and what they reveal about the film’s deeper themes.

Burt (Peter Horton)

Burt is a compassionate and determined individual whose values clash with the violent reality of Gatlin. As a physician, he embodies a sense of duty and care that drives him to rescue Vicky and the children. His bravery and quick thinking are critical in confronting the horrifying cult and its twisted beliefs.

💪 Hero 🎓 Physician 🏃‍♂️ Brave

Vicky (Linda Hamilton)

Vicky is strong-willed and resourceful, caught in a terrifying situation that tests her resilience. Her character undergoes significant growth as she navigates the horrors of Gatlin, showcasing her courage when faced with the threat of sacrifice. Vicky's fight for survival alongside Burt reveals her determination to protect the vulnerable children.

🌸 Survivor ♟️ Resourceful 🦸‍♀️ Strong

Isaac Chroner (John Franklin)

Isaac is the enigmatic and chilling boy preacher who leads the cult of children in Gatlin. His character epitomizes blind faith and fanaticism, as he manipulates the younger children into believing in the dark deity. Isaac's chilling presence and unwavering conviction drive the film's central conflict.

👶 Cult Leader 🎭 Manipulative 😈 Fanatic

Malachai (Courtney Gains)

Malachai serves as Isaac's lieutenant and exhibits a more aggressive and ruthless demeanor. He is the muscle of the cult and grows increasingly frustrated with Isaac's leadership. His brutality and desire for power create a dangerous rivalry within the cult, reflecting the theme of rebellion against authority.

🔪 Ruthless 🔥 Aggressive 👊 Enforcer

Job

Job acts as the narrator of the tale and represents the innocent victims of the cult's tyranny. His demeanor is timid yet insightful, highlighting the stark contrast between childhood innocence and the horrors that envelop Gatlin. Job’s revelations aid in the fight against the malevolent forces at play.

👦 Innocent 📖 Narrator 🌪️ Victim

Sarah

Sarah is Job's sister, who embodies the pure and vulnerable aspects of childhood. Her character serves as a poignant reminder of what is at stake in the battle against the cult. Through her interactions, viewers understand the tragic consequences of a lost childhood amid horror.

👧 Vulnerable 🕊️ Pure 💔 Tragic

Last Updated: October 22, 2024 at 19:51

Major Themes – Children of the Corn (1984)
Explore the central themes of Children of the Corn (1984), from psychological, social, and emotional dimensions to philosophical messages. Understand what the film is really saying beneath the surface.

🌾 Farming Gone Wrong

The film explores the consequences of agricultural failure and the lengths to which the inhabitants of Gatlin are driven. The cornfields, initially a source of sustenance, become a site of horror and sacrifice. This theme highlights how desperation can lead to dark decisions and the unsettling connection between nature and humanity.

🔪 Sacrifice

The theme of sacrifice is prevalent throughout the movie, as the children become willing participants in a dark ritual. Their blind obedience to the cult's teachings raises questions about faith and the loss of innocence. The film illustrates how the need for a sense of belonging can drive individuals to commit atrocious acts in the name of a false god.

🗡️ Rebellion

Burt's fight against the cult embodies the theme of rebellion against oppressive forces. As he confronts the twisted belief system imposed by the child preacher, the film asks if one can challenge long-standing traditions and brainwashing. It highlights the importance of questioning authority and seeking freedom from fear-based control.

Last Updated: October 22, 2024 at 19:51

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