This box office flop is the best film of the 21st century

It was a box-office flop, but this dystopian thriller now feels eerily prescient – and contains some of the most electrifying scenes in cinema history.

Director Alfonso Cuarón’s 2006 dystopian thriller Children of Men starts with a bang – literally.

As the film opens, actor Clive Owen’s character Theo pops down to the corner cafe to grab a cup of coffee in grimy, inner-city London. It’s 2027, two decades since worldwide infertility pushed humanity to the brink of extinction.

The cafe is packed, as people crowd to watch a TV announcing that the youngest person in the world – a man named Diego, who was the last known person to be born 18 years earlier – had met a violent end, stabbed by an autograph hunter in Buenos Aires.

Theo takes his coffee back out to the street. And then the cafe blows up, with everyone inside.

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It’s a startling opener to a film that, despite rave reviews, struggled to even make back its budget at the box office in 2006, but has emerged as one of the most prescient films of the 21st century.

Based on P.D. James’ 1992 novel The Children of Men, the film follows the cynical, world-weary Theo as he’s commandeered by a refugee liberation group run by his old flame Julian (Julianne Moore). They need his help to get refugee Kee (Clare-Hope Ashitey) to safety, because she’s carrying a huge secret: She’s the first woman to fall pregnant in 18 years.

The film unfolds as the sort of dystopian chase movie that’ll be familiar to fans of shows like The Handmaid’s Tale and The Last Of Us.

But the world-building in the film is something else. We’re never told why humanity suddenly became infertile, we only see what damage it’s caused, how nihilistic humanity has become knowing that they’ll be the last generation on earth. Theo passes by scenes of devastation, violence and hopelessness throughout the film, and they don’t appear to register because it’s just how life is now.

Danger abounds – one incredible one-take shot sees Theo and the refugee group travelling by car through the apparent safety of a forested area, all breathing a sigh of relief that they’ve made it out of the chaos and violence of the city.

Within seconds, an armed gang emerge from the forest, ambushing them for reasons unknown. They manage to escape, but not without the shocking, violent death of one key character.

The film’s truly shocking opening scene.

Theo’s journey to get Kee (centre) to safety is edge-of-your-seat stuff.

It’s harrowing, edge-of-your-seat viewing as the camera pans around the car to capture the action – and now considered one of the best one-shot scenes in the history of cinema.

The film ends on an ambiguous note, a final scene which some viewers interpret as a “happy ending”, while others aren’t so sure.

Perhaps that ending, coupled with the grim tone of the film, would go some way to explaining why Children of Men wasn’t a box office hit upon release. But word spread among those who did see it, and in recent years it’s appeared on many critics lists of the best films of all time.

Multiple rewatches over the past two decades have affirmed my initial impression of Children of Men: It’s my favourite film released so far this century.

Don’t agree with me? Vote in our poll below. As part of our 25@25 series celebrating the biggest and best of the past 25 years, the entertainment team at news.com.au has collated a shortlist of the 10 best movies of the 21st century, from Oscar winners to family favourites to a mind-bending romance and an iconic Aussie road movie.

The Dark Knight (2008)

A cinematic masterpiece that redefined the superhero genre. Heath Ledger’s portrayal of the Joker is nothing short of legendary, earning him a posthumous Academy Award for Best Supporting Actor. His performance, coupled with Christian Bale’s nuanced depiction of Batman, elevates the film to a level of dramatic intensity rarely seen in superhero films. Christopher Nolan’s direction, alongside Hans Zimmer’s haunting score, creates a dark and immersive atmosphere that captivates audiences.

Avatar (2009)

A groundbreaking achievement in filmmaking, renowned for its revolutionary use of 3D technology and visual effects. The film’s immersive world-building transports audiences to the lush, alien planet of Pandora, showcasing James Cameron’s visionary direction. “Avatar” became a cultural phenomenon, holding the title of the highest-grossing film of all time for nearly a decade, with a worldwide box office gross of over $2.8 billion.

Children of Men (2006)

A dystopian masterpiece that combines a thought-provoking narrative with stunning cinematography. The film’s screenplay, based on P.D. James’ novel, presents a bleak yet compelling vision of the future, where humanity faces extinction due to global infertility. Clive Owen delivers a powerful performance as Theo, a reluctant hero navigating a world on the brink of collapse. Cuarón’s direction is marked by innovative long takes, particularly the intense single-shot action sequences that heighten the film’s realism and urgency.

Interstellar (2014)

Christopher Nolan co-wrote the screenplay for his second entrant on our list - an epic science fiction film that explores themes of love, sacrifice, and the survival of humanity. Matthew McConaughey’s performance as Cooper, a pilot on a mission to save humanity, is both heartfelt and compelling. The film’s visual effects, which earned an Academy Award, create a breathtaking depiction of space travel and distant worlds. Hans Zimmer’s evocative score further enhances the film’s emotional depth.

Parasite (2019)

A genre-defying film that masterfully blends elements of thriller, drama, and dark comedy. The film’s screenplay, co-written by director Bong Joon-ho, offers a sharp social commentary on class disparity and the human condition. Bong’s direction is meticulous, with each scene crafted to build tension and suspense. “Parasite” made history as the first South Korean film to win the Palme d’Or at the Cannes Film Festival and the first non-English language film to win the Academy Award for Best Picture.

The Departed (2006)

A gripping crime thriller that showcases director Martin Scorsese’s mastery of the genre. The star-studded cast, including Leonardo DiCaprio, Matt Damon, and Jack Nicholson, delivers powerful performances that led to critical and commercial success. It earned four Academy Awards, including Best Picture and Best Director.

The Social Network (2010)

A compelling drama that chronicles the creation of Facebook and the ensuing legal battles. The film’s screenplay, written by Aaron Sorkin, is a masterclass in dialogue, offering a sharp and insightful look into the complexities of ambition and betrayal. Jesse Eisenberg delivers a standout performance as Mark Zuckerberg, capturing the character’s brilliance and social awkwardness. “The Social Network” was both a critical and commercial success, earning three Academy Awards.

Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind (2004)

A poignant exploration of love and memory, distinguished by its inventive storytelling and visual style. Jim Carrey and Kate Winslet deliver exceptional performances, and Michel Gondry’s direction, marked by creative visual effects and non-linear storytelling, enhances the film’s emotional impact. “Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind” has received critical acclaim and won the Academy Award for Best Original Screenplay, solidifying its status as a modern classic.

Mad Max: Fury Road (2015)

A high-octane action film that redefines the genre with its relentless pace and stunning visuals. “Mad Max: Fury Road” was a critical and commercial success, earning six Academy Awards and grossing over $375 million worldwide. Its groundbreaking action sequences and visionary direction have established it as one of the greatest films of the 21st century.

Finding Nemo (2003)

An animated masterpiece that combines heartwarming storytelling with stunning animation. The voice performances, particularly Albert Brooks as Marlin and Ellen DeGeneres as Dory, bring humour and emotion to the film. The animation, which vividly captures the beauty of the ocean, set a new standard for visual storytelling in animation. “Finding Nemo” was a box office sensation, grossing over $940 million worldwide, and won the Academy Award for Best Animated Feature.

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Originally published as This box office flop is the best film of the 21st century