The three leads are equally compelling here, a trio suffused with believable chemistry and relatable vulnerability that puts all the bone-crunching gore and blood in sharp relief.

This coming-of-age horror fantasy gets bleak, as dystopian tales tend to. But it’s offset with bursts of levity, whimsy, and impressive style that sets this post-apocalyptic story apart, even when familiar hallmarks creep in.

Even if you have grown as tired of zombie-related narratives as I have, the first half of “Parvulos” will likely strike you as an uncommonly effective variation on that standard theme.

Takes familiar genre tropes in surprising directions. An emotionally powerful story about family and change that is one of the best horror movies of the year.