TheChildren of the Cornfranchise may be one of the largest and longest-running horror series out there, but it isn’t exactly known for its high ratings. Most of the sequels are forgettable as they suffer from repetitive storylines and flat-out corny gimmicks. But wedged between some of those entries lies one that bears a shining star. TheChildren of the Corn IV: The Gatheringis the fourth installment of theStephen Kingspin-off that takes a departure from the origin story’s schtick and amps up the horror for a 90’s audience. Cast as its protagonist wasNaomi Watts, known back then for her supporting role inTank Girl(1995).The Gatheringwould be her first dive into horror, setting her on a path to bigger and more terrifying films in the years to come.
‘Children of the Corn IV’ Stands Out Because of Watts’ Performance
It’s a sizzling summer when a strange sickness overtakes the children of a small Nebraska town. There to assist the local doctor is medical student Grace Rhodes (Watts), who has recently come back home to care for her agoraphobic mother, played byKaren Black, and her two kid siblings. It’s soon clear that something truly horrible is affecting the children as they claim new names and begin slaughtering the adults. Using both science and brute strength, Grace fights to save her family and the surviving town members from the command ofan evil, vengeful force.
Many A-listers get their start in horror, usually with a small role leading to an on-screen death. That’s not the case for Watts, whose character inChildren of the Corn IVisthe farthest thing from a nudity opportunity or a victim that needs saving. Before she exploded in the genre for her roles inThe Ringfranchise andFunny Games, it seems that Naomi Watts had always been drawn to intelligent, level-headed characters.
Her role as Grace Rhodes presents her asa hero in more ways than one. It’s clear that her move back home was a step backward for her, for she escaped the confines of a nowhere town that didn’t have the opportunities she sought. But she did so as the only caregiver for her siblings as well as to care for her mentally unwell mother. As more of the family dynamic is revealed, the more humility is uncovered in Grace.She’s motivated by love, further implicating that she’s both a dedicated sister and a medical professional.
Alongside the affected parent, Donald (Brent Jennings), she uses both her medical background and compassion to get to the truth of the supernatural mystery.Her character is all about action, not despair, which makes her the one to stop the villain with a fatal scythe swing. Naomi Watts established herself inthis early role as a performer who excels in confident, complex characters that very much thrive in horror spaces(Goodnight Mommy,Twin Peaks,Mulholland Drive). The character of Grace is the driving force of the film; a vulnerable, yet strong hero who is doing more than just barely surviving.
‘The Gathering’ Holds Its Own in the Horror Department
Resurrection and curses are the supernatural components at play inThe Gathering. The ominous being from the previous films, “He Who Walks Behind the Rows,” isn’t mentioned once,giving this sequel a chance to create something of its own mythos. WritersStephen BergerandGreg Spencestrayed away fromthe Stephen King shortand created their own horror story of a cursed child preacher condemning other children upon his reawakening. It’s also worth noting that the word “corn” isn’t uttered at all.
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This folkloric backstory serves as a mystery for the characters to solve while also rebranding the franchise’s connection withreligion and cults. In terms of visual horror,The Gatheringboasts some pretty creative kills and more overt supernatural elements. The resurrected villain doesn’t get his hands dirty but rather controls weapons via telekinesis. His kill count isn’t astounding,but the quality of the kills are. Farm hand tools are utilized by nearly everyone in a surprisingly inventive fashion. One character has their skull impaled by a throttling sickle. Other victims get pinned down by a pitchfork and their fingers lobbed off with a serrated blade. Another is cut in half by a barreling gurney. Acid rain even makes an appearance near the climax. For 1996,the visual effects were beautifully and gruesomely executed.
Children of the Corn IV: The Gatheringisn’t perfect, but it’s a horror film that can survive without its franchise. At its heart is homicidal horror, but still leaves room for supernatural mystery and family drama. Most importantly,it’s a rare chance to see a talented performer command a project that many others had no hope of redeeming. If you’re looking to expand your watch list, consider this film as penitence for sequel sins of the franchise’s past.
Children of the Corn IV: The Gathering
