When the Bough Breaks

The film "When the Bough Breaks" is a gripping psychological thriller that delves into the complexities of a mind-bending mystery involving child serial killings. At the center of the narrative is the character of Detective Jon Shanski, a seasoned and observant investigator, played by Jim Sturgess, who finds himself entangled in a sinister case that tests his resolve, instincts, and understanding of the human psyche. The story unfolds as Detective Shanski starts investigating the gruesome murders of several children in an affluent neighborhood. As he digs deeper into the case, a chilling similarity between the victims emerges - all of them were being targeted by an autistic child, known as Simon, who resides in a mental institution due to the severity of his condition. It becomes increasingly apparent that the killer's motives might not be driven solely by evil intentions, but rather by a warped desire stemming from a deep emotional connection with the victims. The narrative shifts its focus to an exploration of the autistic child's past, gradually unraveling the threads of a complicated and traumatic childhood. The character of Simon, portrayed by Jacob Tremblay, undergoes a transformation from a seemingly innocent autistic child, who innocently interacts with the world, to a calculating and sinister figure, hell-bent on exacting a twisted form of revenge on the society that deemed him unworthy and discarded him. The film then delves into a parallel narrative that explores the life of Simon's mother, Eva. Played by Mina Sundwall in her childhood and Caren Pistorius as an adult, Eva's character's actions are portrayed as the root cause of Simon's eventual descent into madness. Eva's desperation and helplessness as she grapples with raising a child with severe autism, alongside her partner, Paul, eventually leads her to seek the aid of an experimental procedure, claiming it will improve Simon's communication skills. The unorthodox procedure has a devastating effect on Simon's emotional state and sets the stage for his eventual transformation into the mastermind behind the gruesome killings. As Detective Shanski becomes increasingly convinced of Simon's involvement in the murders, he finds himself torn between pursuing justice and showing compassion towards the disturbed child. His investigation leads him down a path where the lines between a crime solver and a medical observer begin to blur. The narrative poses questions about the morality and responsibility that accompany exceptional cognitive abilities. Ultimately, it becomes apparent that Simon's seemingly incomprehensible actions become an all-consuming force that not only destroys the lives of children but also shatters the families of those children. The detective must confront the harsh reality that Simon's existence is, in fact, a product of societal neglect, and that the institutionalization and disregard he experienced have contributed to his downward spiral into chaos and destruction. The investigation is eventually resolved as Detective Shanski manages to apprehend Simon, while also shedding a new light on the complex psychological factors that led to the brutal killings. The tragic circumstances of Simon's past and the unaddressed consequences of the societal responses to his situation add depth to the narrative as a whole. "When the Bough Breaks" becomes a poignant exploration of a child's psyche affected by a toxic environment, societal norms, and medical neglect.