To have wanted it to be a child free evening?

Would you really? So many women use 'girls night' when they mean adults. In OP's case it's surely extra-clear as she doesn't have DC.

I’m assuming the film has been chosen and it’s ‘let’s go and see (film title)’ and not ‘let’s go to the cinema’. I agree it completely alters the dynamic and will change what happens before and after as they won’t be allowed in a bar and everyone will have to keep their conversation child appropriate.
I think it is really odd that they are doing this and it does risk becoming a precedent. I think your opportunity to query it was when it was first raised and it’s too late now. How many adults are coming without a child in tow?
Next time be clear at the outset that you are planning an adult social (‘Just adults this time so we can go to xxx bar afterwards’) and if some want to bring children, they could group together and go another time.

The whole situation is bollocksed now though. I was going to say that next time, you say, "shall we get together, just adults", but someone will get the miff because it will look like you are throwing shade on their kids.

So many questions.
Do the HAVE to bring them or do they just want to bring them?
Can’t the other parent watch them?
What time does the film start/finish?
Is it a school night?
What film is it?
Can the children actually sit through a film without a. chatting, b. getting up for the loo, c. looking at some kind of electronic device, d. getting upset, scared, bored?

OP, it seems like you've always got a reason as to why the very reasonable suggestions that posters have been made won't work...this is why you end uo doing things you don't want to.

YANBU to want an adults only evening and, frankly, I think it's weird that a parent would even suggest taking a 7yr old to an adult film during the evening. Next time, just say a variation of, 'no, this is an adults only evening,' or 'no, I really need some grown up friend time.'

You could have just said ‘sorry, no. I’m planning a grown up evening, not for children.’ Then they would have either said ok or backed out. Their choice.

i don’t get why it would be a problem tbh unless you were planning on going out before or after. In which case you have the perfect reason to object. What ‘adult’ time are you missing out on apart from from queuing up for popcorn or having a quick chat afterwards?

Surely they wouldn’t bring their kids if they thought they wouldn’t enjoy it or that they would disrupt the film? Mine know to sit quietly through a film at the cinema.

That said I doubt I’d ask to bring them unless it was clear it was an invite for kids too.

Yeah. It's pretty fucked up because the person never gets what they want and is unable to voice it until they get angry. Well that's me anyway. its never good to not know how to say no.

I'd drop out. If it was the afternoon that wouldn't be so bad. Of course it changes the dynamics of the whole evening.

I agree with you. Plus I feel your pain.

Like hell they would. It’s women’s spare time that is seen as less valuable and we are always lumped with the children.

Sorry will stop ranting now - I had an event I was looking forward to interesting funny conversation with women friends ended up having stilted conversation about A level choices with someone’s teen 🙄.

That's a good point. A group of male colleagues socialising like this wouldn't bring children along.

No the film is irrelevant. It’s not ok whatever the film is.

Sorry that was to The Rozzers

The film is surely relevant - you're in a created theatrical atmosphere which you can enjoy, but it might be a distraction if you're worried about children if it's a strong theme.

Why though?! I would never ever think that. It’s a group event for adult women not kids. Do men have this?

Why didn’t you immediately respond in the group chat that the film you plan on seeing isn’t suitable for children? That way you would have avoided all the drama about children wanting to tag along whenever there’s a mention of anyone going to the cinema because they probably relate cinema visits to films like Moana, Frozen, or whatever the current family rated films are!

I also really resent child bringers asking if it’s ok. You kind of have to say yes or they think you are Cruella De Vil. Just don’t bring kids to adult events no one wants them there no matter what they may feel forced to say.

Maybe it’s because you called it a ‘girls’ event so the women coming assumed it was for girls.

I would have checked with you first, but had you messaged about a girly trip to the cinema I’d have thought to include my DD.

It would make a difference if the DC interrupt the film. I wouldn't be impressed. I have 4 DC and wouldn't dream of inviting them to a screening at the cinema unless it was a kids film.

It depends, if I can't take my child - 90% of the time I can't go...however I never assume and am used to not getting out much as I wouldn't like others bring their DC to an adults only evening either...

I’d say “oh I was looking forward to a child free evening! What does everyone else think?” If everyone is ok with it you probably have to concede. Or speak to others going and scope whether they are ok with it.

Agree the film is irrelevant! People are so literal. So if it’s one film its unacceptable but if another film it’s ok?! That is not the case.

No it's not!
OP wanted a ladies night. Doesn't matter what the movie is.

OP I would've said "sorry it's just a ladies night this time, but we'll have to organise a family friendly event next time".

I said that recently, and if anything, more carefully. World war 3 broke out and both people now think I'm a bitch.

It really isn't that easy, or without repercussions.