THE OTHERS

A film review by Camilo Arenivar

Some films create an air about themselves that bring you into their distinct reality. If that film is a movie about a haunted mansion on a foggy British island, that is a very good quality to have. The Others is one of the most classy and stylish supernatural psychological thrillers since 1999's The Sixth Sense.

Much of the success of The Others can be attributed to it's director, Alejandro Amenábar (Abre Los Ojos, which is being remade into the Tom Cruise/Penelope Cruz movie Vanilla Sky). This is Amenábar's first English film and his talent is clear in this film. Complimentary to his great direction is Nicole Kidman's strong performance in the lead role as Grace.

The story takes place in 1945 at the end of World War II. A woman is living alone in a huge mansion on a lonely foggy British island raising her two children while awaiting her husband's return from the war. One day a group of three house & groundskeepers show up in response to Madam's ad for a nanny, groundskeeper and maid. Shortly there after, things start to happen in the house. Many of the traditional things that happen in haunted house movies, but what makes this one excel is that it is done in a classic way that makes you feel like a kid again, scared as you were by the very first scary movie you saw, unless you were born in 1980 and your first scary movie was Scream.

This movie has an interesting story that is not apparent at once, but as the movie goes on things begin to tie together. There is no fast paced action or special effects, in fact, the first hour is somewhat slow. Whatthe movie does have is old fashion suspense; which Amenábar weaves well. Obviously this film is not for the average teen audience that flocks to the Scream and I Know What You Did Last Summer movies.

I must say this is one of the best movies I have seen this summer and enthusiastically recommend it to anyone who enjoys movies that contain story, acting, suspense and drama. Despite lacking in special effects and violence, it is very suspenseful and succeeds in instilling fear and creating a chill. It contains a surprise ending that is beyond initial comprehension and sealed my love for this film. Check out The Others for a surprisingly quality film. I am no big Nicole Kidman fan, but it is surprising my two favorite movies of the summer feature her in a lead role! Coincidence?

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