The Child (also known as Children of the Night and Hide and Go Kill) is a 1977 American supernatural horror film directed by Robert Voskanian, and starring Laurel Barnett, Rosalie Cole, Frank Janson, and Richard Hanners.

[3] Inspired to make a horror film after seeing Night of the Living Dead (1968), the two acquired a screenplay by Ralph Lucas and began developing the project.

[3] Laurel Barnett was cast in the lead role of Alicianne after responding to an advertisement in a local actors' publication; she particularly impressed Voskanian as she arrived at her meeting with him wearing the period clothing appropriate to the character.

[11] Because the budget was so limited, the actors and crew took on various roles: Barnett, who portrayed the lead of Alicianne, also served as a costumer for the production, helping curate vintage period clothing from thrift shops in Hollywood.

[3] The Child received a regional release on January 19, 1977, in the United States, screening in Tennessee, Indiana, and Kentucky; it also opened in Rome, Italy on the same date.

[14] TV Guide gave The Child an unfavorable review, awarding it one star out of five, and deeming it "a dull supernatural tale set in a remote woodland area in the 1930s.

"[15] Bob Keaton of the Fort Lauderdale News panned the film for its gory content and "amateurish" performances, as well as likening its cinematography to that of "home movies.

"[16] Jeffrey Kauffman writing for the website "Blu-Ray.com" gave it 2.5 stars out of 5 and said: "If you see only one film about a murderous telekinetically inclined lass who likes to sic zombies on those whom she disfavors, make it The Child, as there probably aren't too many others with this patently odd combination of plot points.

"[17] Bill Gibron of PopMatters gave the film a positive review, calling it "a surprisingly effective and incredibly creepy zombie workout"; praising the atmosphere, direction, and sense of unease.

[19] It was later issued on Blu-ray in 2019 by Arrow Video as part of the American Horror Project: Volume 2 set, which also includes the films Dark August and Dream No Evil.