Children of Men (2006)
“A terrifyingly accurate portrayal of systemic collapse and a brutal reminder of why we prep.”
Alfonso Cuarón’s Children of Men (adapted from P. D. James Novel) is not just a movie…it’s a wake-up call. For Preppers, this film is packed with hard lessons and reminders that when society falls apart, only the prepared, the adaptable and the resourceful survive.
It’s not zombies or nuclear war, but something far more plausible…slow societal decay brought on by global infertility, mass migration, ecological collapse and government authoritarianism. The scary part? It doesn’t feel like science fiction…
It feels like tomorrow.
Societal Collapse Done Right
This film nails the slow-burn unraveling of a civilization. There’s no singular apocalyptic event. Instead, Children of Men shows what happens after the world stops functioning. Countries fall. Borders close. Resources shrink. Governments respond not with compassion or logic but with force…detention camps, surveillance and martial law. This isn’t fantasy.
The British government becomes a fortress, hoarding what’s left, turning its back on refugees, and turning its own people into enemies. This resonates deeply for Preppers. When the system fails, expect fear, chaos, and control, not order or help. The world of Children of Men is exactly the scenario we prepare for…one where you can’t rely on anyone but yourself.
A terrifyingly accurate portrayal of systemic collapse and a brutal reminder of why we prep.
Prepper Points
- Governments will protect themselves first- Don’t count on the state to save you. If anything, they’ll see you as a problem.
- Mobility is key- Static prepping is only part of the plan. You need the ability to move, adapt, and disappear.
- Community matters- The rebels, the midwife, even Jasper (Michael Caine) show how vital mutual aid and trust are in times of collapse.
Let’s delve further and see what Prepper skills we can identify, what the characters could have done differently and finally how a Prepper would navigate this world.
1. Characters’ Survival Skills
Theo (Clive Owen)
At first glance, Theo is far from a classic survivor. He’s broken and an alcoholic. But dig deeper and you see why he survives as long as he does.
- Situational awareness- He knows how to blend in and keep his head down in a volatile world.
- Adaptability- He pivots fast, takes risks when needed, and doesn’t hesitate to change direction and always keep moving.
- Low profile- He understands the value of invisibility and stealth. He doesn’t draw attention, and that’s often what keeps him alive.
Not a classic Prepper, but someone who understands the number one rule in collapse: Don’t be a target.
Jasper (Michael Caine)
A retired political cartoonist turned off-grid hippie. But don’t let his laid-back demeanour fool you.
- Lives off-grid- Solar, independent food supply, hidden location.
- Secure perimeter- Remote home with a hidden entrance. He understands OPSEC.
- Medical prep- Grows his own weed (not essential for survival, but in a world of no medicine, pain relief has value).
He’s so close to being a model Prepper. His mistake? Emotional attachment to place. He should’ve had a bug-out plan. He stayed too long and paid the price.
Kee (Clare-Hope Ashitey)
She’s the symbol of hope in the film. While not trained or prepared, she’s resilient, brave, and mentally tough. She listens, learns, and follows instructions, traits that serve her well. She trusts Theo and this makes all the difference.
The Fishes (Rebel group)
Tactically capable, but politically naive. They fall into the trap many Preppers warn about putting ideology above survival. They’re better armed than Theo, but their infighting and moral compromises undermine their mission.
2. What They Could’ve Done Differently
- Bug-out strategy: Jasper should have had a mobile fallback plan. His fixed location was a death trap once compromised.
- Operations security (OPSEC): Too many people knew about Kee’s pregnancy. In a collapsed society, info is currency. Only Theo, Kee and the midwife should have known.
- Prep logistics: No one in the movie has a proper go-bag. No medical kits, water filters, or backup communications. Even basic prep could’ve saved lives. When the car is attacked they have nothing to defend themselves with.
- Contingency planning: Every move was reactive. No one had Plan A, B, or C. As Preppers know: Two is one, one is none.
- Training: Kee should’ve been taught basic first aid, movement under fire, and how to use a weapon (if only for emergencies). You don’t wait until the worst day of your life to learn.
3. How a Prepper Would Navigate That World
Let’s say you drop a seasoned Prepper into the world of Children of Men. How do they approach survival?
A. Go Gray, Stay Gray
You don’t want to stand out. In a world full of refugees, surveillance, and military checkpoints, visibility = vulnerability. Wear neutral clothes. Move at night. Avoid confrontation.
B. Secure Location Outside Urban areas
Cities in Children of Men are overcrowded, militarised, and dangerous. A smart Prepper would already be living semi-remote, like Jasper—but with a clear Bug Out plan and fallback locations.
C. Build a Community
As the UK Urban Prepper says Lone-wolf survival has limits. A small, trusted group with complementary skills- medical, mechanical, agricultural, tactical- is essential. Kee and Theo survive because they find allies.
D. Supply Chain Independence
Pre-collapse, this means building food stores, collecting rainwater, growing medicinal herbs, and having off-grid power. (See Brian) Post-collapse, it means knowing how to scavenge smartly and barter wisely, whether with food or gold/ silver.
E. Navigate the Political Landscape
The collapse in Children of Men is as much about politics as survival. A seasoned Prepper doesn’t pick sides unless they have to. They observe, analyse and position themselves to survive regardless of who’s in charge.
Standout scene worthy of a mention
When their car is attacked by the rebels and Julian is killed. This one shot doesn’t take a breath and keeps you right there in the action. A perfect pairing of choreography and action.
Conclusion: The Movie Every Prepper Should Watch (and Take Notes)
Children of Men is more than entertainment. It’s a guide of what to do and not do when the world starts to burn. It shows how quickly society can degrade and how vital adaptability, resilience, and foresight are.
For those who prep, it’s a reminder: we don’t prepare out of paranoia, we prepare because history repeats, systems fail and the future belongs to those who can…
Prepare, Survive and Thrive.
Final Prepper Score: 8/10
About the Author
