A Child of Light 2009
Set against the sun-drenched summer of 1983, Paul Verhoeven's *A Child of Light (2009)* explores a tense holiday encounter between two boys on the edge of adolescence.
Director: Paul Verhoeven
Cast
Frequently Asked Questions
What is A Child of Light (2009) about?
The film follows 12-year-old Lucas during a summer vacation in 1983, when he's left in the care of his resentful 15-year-old cousin Erwan. Erwan's bitterness over feeling neglected manifests in psychological and emotional abuse, reducing Lucas to a state of humiliation and servitude.
Who directed A Child of Light?
A Child of Light was directed by Paul Verhoeven, known for his bold and provocative storytelling in films like *RoboCop* and *Basic Instinct*.
Who stars in A Child of Light?
The film stars Quentin Ladrière as Lucas and Sullivan Leray as Erwan, bringing a raw intensity to their fraught dynamic.
Is A Child of Light (2009) worth watching?
While the film is short and unrated, its unflinching portrayal of childhood cruelty and power dynamics makes it a compelling watch for fans of psychological dramas. Verhoeven's direction ensures a stark, immersive experience, though its bleak tone may not appeal to everyone.
How long is A Child of Light?
A Child of Light has a runtime of 70 minutes.
About A Child of Light (2009) — Verhoeven's intense drama of childhood cruelty and survival
Set against the sun-drenched summer of 1983, Paul Verhoeven's *A Child of Light (2009)* explores a tense holiday encounter between two boys on the edge of adolescence. Twelve-year-old Lucas is left in the care of his older cousin Erwan, whose parents depart for a trip, leaving him feeling abandoned and resentful. What follows is a brutal role reversal: Erwan, brimming with unchecked anger, strips Lucas of dignity, reducing him to a state of servitude and forcing him to live like an animal. Verhoeven crafts a raw, intimate drama that lingers on themes of power, cruelty, and the fragile boundaries of childhood innocence.
The film unfolds with a stark, almost documentary-like realism, immersing viewers in the suffocating heat of summer and the emotional isolation of its young protagonists. As Lucas endures humiliation and emotional torment, the line between caregiver and tormentor blurs, revealing the dark undercurrents of family dynamics and unspoken neglect. *A Child of Light (2009)* is a haunting character study that challenges audiences to confront the unsettling reality of how easily roles of authority and victim can be reversed in the absence of compassion.