Parvulos: Children of the Apocalypse is a Mexican post apocalyptic zombie film directed by Isaac Ezban, and the cast includes Horacio F. Lazo, Norma Flores, Farid Escalante Correa, Leonardo Cervantes, Mateo Ortega Casilla.
Isaac Ezban’s Párvulos: Children of the Apocalypse is a film that’s equal parts apocalyptic terror and emotional gut punch, and Ezban’s got a way of blending some serious thought with some damn good visual work.
The story centers around three siblings, Salvador, Oliver, and Benjamin, who are trying to survive in a world that’s slowly coming undone. Salvador’s the oldest, and he’s already fighting his own battles, but he’s still trying to hold it together for his younger brothers, while also being just as scared and unsure as they are.
Ezban manages to build this really intimate, almost claustrophobic family dynamic, with three siblings stuck in a house, fighting not just the infected but their own feelings of guilt, fear, and loss, and it’s not all "Oh, look, a zombie!" This film goes deeper.
You start to realize that it’s not just about surviving the apocalypse, it’s about surviving your own messed-up emotions while the world’s collapsing around you, and that’s a hell of a lot harder than dodging zombies.
Now, the catalyst of this entire mess is a viral infection, and yes, I know, that’s a pretty familiar premise, but it’s a smart move though, that's grounded and personal, and as the infection spreads, and there’s this lingering question: how long can someone be infected before they go full-on monster?
But that’s not where Ezban stops. No, he introduces rumors of a cure, and then the question becomes: even if there’s a cure, is it too late? This is the part that gets you thinking, because it’s not just the infected who’ve lost their humanity, it's the people trying to save them.
Then, the film hits you with a secret, because of course, there’s a secret, it’s a movie. But this one’s different. It’s a personal one that impacts the youngest brother, and that’s when everything really starts to spiral. Family dynamics shift, alliances shift, and you realize just how fragile this family is.
These kids are doing their best to keep it together, but man, everything is stacked against them, and just when you think it can’t get worse, Ezban introduces this group of religious zealots called The Trumpets.
These guys are like Jehovah’s Witnesses on a bad trip. They’re dangerous, manipulative, and they don’t give a damn who they have to hurt to get what they want. It’s a great commentary on fanaticism, and it really ramps up the tension in the story.
These zealots are a perfect example of how much people are willing to twist things to justify their own beliefs, especially in times of crisis, and it’s not hard to draw comparisons to real-world religious groups that just keep pushing their agenda no matter what.
While Parvulos: Children of the Apocalypse is a heavy film, Ezban doesn’t let it be all doom and gloom, as he also lets these kids be kids, and we get moments of innocence, wonder, and even some humor, which is a nice breather.
And these moments of humor and innocence don’t feel out of place, either, and they’re like a reminder that, no matter how bad things get, there’s still humanity left in them. It’s a nice touch and prevents the film from becoming too bleak all the time.
Visually, the film looks stunning, with an eerie, vintage vibe, and it's very gritty, but it’s also beautiful in its own way. The setting is also perfect, and there’s a sense of abandonment, like the world outside has moved on, and they’re just stuck in the middle of it.
The infected are not your typical zombie-looking things either. They’re sick, diseased, almost like a cross between a zombie and someone with a really bad illness. It’s not just about them wanting to eat you, it’s about how they’re slowly losing their humanity, which makes it hit harder.
And kudos to all the acting as well, which I enjoyed a lot. Horacio F. Lazo and Norma Flores as the parents are excellent, and put in very solid emotional performances in a way that makes you realize how fragile everything is, and the three brothers, Farid Escalante Correa, Leonardo Cervantes, and Mateo Ortega Casillas, all nail that sibling bond, with all 3 bringing different dynamics to the film.
Parvulos: Children of the Apocalypse isn’t just another post-apocalyptic movie, it’s a thoughtful, visually stunning exploration of family, survival, and the human condition. It’s not perfect, and it’s not going to be everyone’s cup of tea, but if you’re into slow-burn films that make you think and feel, this one’s a winner.
It’s got layers, it’s got depth, and it’s got some solid performances. Give it a shot, and if you don’t like it? Well, at least you’ll know you watched something with a bit more substance than just another mindless zombie flick. It’s not fast-paced, it’s not easy, but it’s definitely worth your time.
*The film was released originally in Mexico in 2024, but in theaters elsewhere in 2025, so I am counting it as a 2025 film.