Episode 140: Cyrus Neshvad’s Child (2026)
Rotten Tomato Score: Not yet rated
A parent will do anything to save their child, until “anything” has a body count. We review Cyrus Nishvad’s 2026 film Child, a new release (UK cinemas October 2, with North America later) that doesn’t have a Rotten Tomatoes rating yet, and we go spoiler-heavy after a clear warning so we can talk about what really happens once the truth comes out.
We start with Sam’s tight plot summary and our Sinister Sip cocktail, the Black Market Sling, then get honest about the movie’s vibe: for a long stretch, Child feels more like a slow-burn psychological thriller than a straight horror film. That choice becomes the core of our conversation, because the pacing, the secrecy between Ann and Greg, and the road-trip tension all build toward a reveal that reframes everything around illegal organ deals, human trafficking, and the horrifying logic people use to live with themselves.
From there we hit our categories: Tropes Hall of Shame, the “don’t do this and the movie never happens” decisions, one-liners that land like gut punches, and the details that don’t hold up when you look too close. We also call out what truly works, from selective subtitles that keep you disoriented on purpose to the quiet, environmental sound design that makes the silence feel hostile. We wrap with our Watchability Scale, where we land at a 7 out of 10, plus the question that lingers long after the credits: what would you trade, and who pays?
Sinister Sips
Black Market Sling
From: Cocktail subreddit
Recipe:
2 oz Maker’s Mark Bourbon
1 oz Martini Sweet Vermouth
0.5 oz Lemon Juice
0.75 Brown Sugar & Cinnamon Simple Syrup
Dash Angostura Bitters
Dash Orange Bitters
Barspoon Orange Marmalade
Splash of soda
Add all ingredients (save soda) to shaker over ice.
Shake until well chilled.
Strain into rocks glass and top with club soda.
Garnish with brandied cherries. Enjoy the cool fall evening.
Plot Summary:
With their young son running out of time, Anne and Greg are willing to sacrifice everything for one last chance to save him. But after crossing an unforgivable moral line, they find themselves trapped in a nightmare where every choice demands an even greater price. (Taken from IMDb)
Watchability Scale
We all enjoyed the film and placed it at 7 on the Watchability Scale.