Review of The Others (2001) by Hazel C — 08 Oct 2011
Mrs. Mills: Sooner or later, they will find you. .
"How do you keep them out, when they've already invited themselves in?".
The Others is one of the best haunted house movies ever. It is a suspenseful, atmospheric, chilling and frightening film. Amenabar absolutely nails it with his direction here. He uses darkness, shadows and mirrors like they are characters and he ends up crafting a truly scary movie. Throughout the whole movie, I was always ready for something to jump out of a dark corner and Amenabar knew everyone would have this same feeling and he used to his advantage. The movie is slow moving, building an intense suspense in the viewer. The ending creeps up on us so slow that when the big twist hits; it hits like a hurricane. .
Grace Stewart lives in a big house with her two children, Anne and Nicholas. The kids can't be in a room with light as they have a condition where they are extremely light sensitive and could possibly die from the light. Grace's husband is away at war, as the story takes place in the 40's during World War 2. Three new servants come looking for a job and since Grace's old ones just left without a word, she takes them in. .
Nicole Kidman fuels the movie with one of her many stunning performances. But the movie succeeds because of the brilliance of Amenabar. The house is a wonderful setting and the way the kids condition is used is magnificent. The house is always dark and moody and this just adds to up to make a truly chilling atmosphere. Then there's the huge twist ending that, in my opinion, is the coolest twist of any movie I have seen. .
The Others is so far above the average ghost story. It manipulates us in more than one way. There is a feeling of dread that just hangs over the whole picture, the whole time. There are scenes where Amenabar uses old techniques and ideas, but his style make them feel so fresh; like you're seeing them for the first time. The movie is highly original and is a brilliant piece of work all the way around. The movie was overlooked because of The Sixth Sense, but in my opinion, this is better. The Others is one of those unforgettable movies and that's usually the sign of greatness.
Mrs. Mills: Sometimes the world of the living gets mixed up with the world of the dead. .
This review of The Others (2001) was written by Hazel C on 08 Oct 2011.
The Others has generally received very positive reviews.
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