The Others

UK Release Date: 02 November 2001

Certification: 12
Director: Alejandro Amenábar
Cast: James Bentley, Elaine Cassidy, Christopher Eccleston, Fionnula Flanagan, Nicole Kidman, Alakina Mann, Eric Sykes

Rating: 79%

Review:

What a pleasant surprise. Supernatural-horror, The Others, is certainly deserving of a higher appreciation when it comes to discussing modern horror. 

Nicole Kidman is tremendous in the lead role. Playing, Grace, mother to Anne (Alakina Mann) and Nicholas (James Bentley), just weeks after her public divorce with Tom Cruise. That doesn't detract from her performance whatsoever as she shines in The Others. Frightened but at the same time completely unhinged. Understandably so, doing everything she can in the film's runtime to protect her children. Amazingly, first-time child actress Alakina Mann is just as good. Perfectly capable of acting alongside Nicole Kidman, looking comfortable in each interaction. Such a fear-inducing performance at a very young age. 

The Others is far from a typical horror film. Utilising a fleshed-out atmosphere to create an unwavering tension. With Jersey seemingly surrounded by a shroud of thick fog it's impossible to escape the confides of their home. There's a certain 30s or 40s ghost story feel to the film comparable to that of an old-wives tale. Because there's no obvious scares, the audience is patiently waiting to be conventionally terrifying. The Others plays into that factor and frightens the as they anticipate terror. Saying that, this film has one of the best false 'jump-scares' I've ever experienced - enhancing the dread. 

As well as directing and writing the film, Alejandro Amenábar composed the film's original score. The score isn't anything out of the ordinary in the horror genre but the manner in which Amenábar takes advantage of certain musical cues to put the audience on edge is extremely intelligent. A mundane scene gives off a wholly unsettling feel. 

Drip feeding the audience with little bits of information as the film goes along, The Others has a fantastic plot twist. It is executed to near perfection. The first reveal is shocking, if a touch predictable, tying the events of the film together. Although, the second is out of this world with the audience totally oblivious.