21 surprising Hidden details about Children of Men

Alfonso Cuarón’s Dystopic Classic Has a Lot More To It Than You Expected

Alfonso Cuarón’s Children of Men is widely recognized as one of the most powerful dystopian films ever made. Based on P.D. James’s 1992 novel, the 2006 adaptation offers a vision of the near-future that is both haunting and terrifyingly plausible. It portrays a world ravaged by infertility, political turmoil, and environmental collapse—where hope seems like a cruel joke. And yet, at its heart, the film is about redemption, resistance, and the preservation of humanity.

Though it streamlines some of the novel’s more overt religious themes, Children of Men delivers a profound emotional punch through its stripped-down narrative, stark realism, and groundbreaking technical work. With its bleak yet plausible setting, grounded performances, and iconic cinematography, it remains one of the most memorable and important films of the 21st century.

But even superfans may not know everything about the film. Here are 21 fascinating facts and behind-the-scenes insights that you probably didn’t know about Children of Men.

1. The Film Diverges Significantly from the Novel

While based on P.D. James’s book, the film adaptation takes major liberties with the plot and characters. In the novel, the infertility crisis is a result of a totalitarian regime and a focus on faith and divine punishment. The film, on the other hand, grounds the crisis in socio-political and environmental decay, omitting many religious elements.

2. It Was a Box Office Disappointment… at First

Despite widespread critical acclaim, Children of Men underperformed at the box office, grossing only $70 million worldwide on a $76 million budget. However, it found a devoted following on DVD and streaming, eventually becoming a cult classic.

3. The Long Takes Weren’t All What They Seemed

Cuarón is famous for his long, uninterrupted takes—but some were cleverly stitched together using CGI. The most iconic scene, where Theo escapes a building under heavy gunfire, was made to look like one long take, though multiple shots were digitally merged.

4. The Car Ambush Scene Took Months to Plan

The harrowing ambush sequence where Julian is killed was shot using a specially designed rig that allowed the camera to move seamlessly inside the car. The scene took 14 days to rehearse and only 12 minutes to shoot, using a custom vehicle with removable seats and a remote-operated camera.

5. Michael Caine’s Character Was Inspired by John Lennon

Michael Caine plays Jasper, a retired political cartoonist and marijuana-growing hippie. Cuarón asked him to model the character after John Lennon, down to his cadence, hair, and glasses. Caine even used Lennon’s peace-and-sarcasm vibe to inform his performance.

6. The Dystopian Setting Was Grounded in Reality

Production designer Jim Clay and Cuarón wanted a world that felt recognizable rather than fantastical. They used real, decaying buildings and urban areas in London to create a future that felt like “tomorrow, if things went a bit wrong.”

7. Real Refugees Were Used as Extras

To enhance authenticity, the filmmakers cast actual asylum seekers and immigrants in many of the refugee camp scenes. This added an uncomfortable realism to the film’s depiction of a brutalized underclass.

8. The Film Was Heavily Influenced by War Photography

Cinematographer Emmanuel Lubezki looked to conflict-zone photographers like Don McCullin and James Nachtwey for visual inspiration. This is why the film’s gritty handheld shots resemble documentary footage.

9. It Was Shot Using Natural Light Whenever Possible

Lubezki, known for his preference for natural lighting, used it extensively throughout the film. This added to the raw, realistic tone and made the environments feel lived-in and immediate.

10. The Story Reflects Contemporary Fears

Although set in 2027, the film was a direct response to post-9/11 fears—terrorism, authoritarianism, nationalism, and displacement. Cuarón incorporated imagery from real-world crises, including Guantanamo Bay and the refugee crises in Europe and Africa.

11. It’s a Critique of Anti-Immigration Sentiment

The film’s depiction of immigrants being caged, tortured, and hunted was meant as a damning critique of growing xenophobia in the West. Cuarón drew from UK immigration policy and rising anti-immigrant rhetoric in Europe and America.

12. Julianne Moore’s Early Death Was Meant to Shock

Casting a star like Julianne Moore as Julian and then killing her off early was a deliberate subversion of expectations. It set the tone for a world where no one is safe and hope can be fleeting.

13. The Use of Classical Art Adds Layers of Meaning

Jasper’s home features artwork like Michelangelo’s David and Picasso’s Guernica. These pieces, stolen or preserved from destroyed museums, are visual metaphors for civilization’s decline and the persistence of cultural memory.

14. The Baby Cry Scene Was Not in the Script

One of the most moving moments is when soldiers stop fighting upon hearing the baby’s cry. This moment was improvised during filming and left in after the emotional reaction from the cast and crew.

15. Theo’s Wardrobe Reflects His Character Arc

At the start of the film, Theo wears dull, tattered clothes, mirroring his apathy. As he reconnects with his ideals and becomes more involved, his wardrobe subtly changes—more practical, resilient, and active.

16. The Name “Theo” Means “God”

In Greek, “Theo” means “God” or “divine gift.” It’s a subtle allusion to Theo’s role in shepherding the miracle of birth through a dying world—much like a secular savior.

17. The “Human Project” Represents Hope, Not Certainty

The mysterious “Human Project” is never shown. Cuarón intentionally leaves its existence ambiguous—it may be real or just a myth, but its symbolic value as a beacon of hope is what truly matters.

18. Kee’s Baby Was Created Using Multiple Techniques

To portray the first baby born in 18 years, the filmmakers used animatronics, CGI, and a real newborn in different scenes. The result was seamless and deeply affecting.

19. The Film’s Ending Was Meant to Be Ambiguous

When Theo dies and the boat “Tomorrow” arrives, it’s unclear if salvation is real or symbolic. Cuarón leaves the audience with hope, but not certainty—mirroring the film’s central tension.

20. It Influenced a New Generation of Filmmakers

Directors like Christopher Nolan, Denis Villeneuve, and Sam Mendes have all cited Children of Men as an influence, particularly for its immersive world-building and bold cinematography.

21. It’s More Relevant Now Than Ever

With its themes of global instability, environmental crisis, and migrant persecution, Children of Men feels disturbingly prophetic. Nearly two decades after its release, the film seems less like science fiction and more like a documentary from a few years into the future.