A serious film student would see The Other which is a classic horror film from the seveneties, then see Goodnight Mommy and compare the two and might see The White Ribbon as the same time.

All have the theme of the horror that children can do which is startling and horrifying, with the White Ribbon the one that is most philosophical. It explains how "child-soldiers" can happen as a phenomena as in a young state without guidance, young people can develop without personal morals and acceptible societal ethics.

Most people watch a film as a diversion, when a serious film maker hopes people are provoked and considered what is being communicated as art (or even as propaganda).

To a lesser degree The Bad Seed film and later remake covers similar ground.