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.
My Thoughts On Parvulos: Children of the Apocalypse
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, where three siblings are trying to survive in a world that’s slowly coming undone.
They are fighting not just the infected but their own feelings of guilt, fear, and loss, and the movie is not all "Oh, look, a zombie!"
This film goes deeper, as 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, as 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, as it’s a personal one that impacts the youngest brother, and that’s when everything really starts to spiral and amily dynamics shift, alliances shift, and you realize just how fragile this family really is.
And just when you think it can’t get worse, Ezban introduces this group of religious zealots called The Trumpets, and 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, and I thought it was a great commentary on fanaticism, and it really ramps up the tension in the story too.
While Parvulos: Children of the Apocalypse is a heavy film, Ezban does find time for some less heavy stuff, as you also witness 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, as they’re a reminder that no matter how bad things get, there’s still humanity left in them, which is a nice touch and prevents the film from becoming too bleak all the time.
Visually, the film has this vintage vibe, and it's very gritty, but it’s also beautiful in its own way, as 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.
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 overall is a thoughtful exploration of family, survival, and the human condition, and while it’s not going to be everyone’s cup of tea, if you’re into slow-burn films that make you think and feel, this one’s a winner.
*The film was released originally in Mexico in 2024, but in theaters elsewhere in 2025, so I am counting it as a 2025 film.