Rarely seen in the US, this film marks Clayton’s return to the question of the innocence of children. Left to their own devices after the death of their mother, seven young siblings disguise her demise from the neighbors out of fear that they will be delivered into foster care. They turn to their father for help, but his irresponsibility throws their lives into further turmoil. Truly sui generis, the film is part a macabre look at childhood understandings of death, love and loyalty, part a tender portrayal of family ties.