'The Others'—A Movie Review

Who keeps opening the drapes? Wait, was that door open a moment ago? It’s official. I have a ghost problem.

The Others is a 2001 thriller directed by Alejandro Amenabar. A mother and her two photosensitive children soon become aware that they are not alone in their home. Investigating the strange occurrences, they are driven up the wall finding out dark secrets from the past.

I was on the edge of my seat as I was watching the drama unfold in The Others! I am not sure how this movie slipped past me. The Others is a well-acted drama that ends with a gaping conclusion. If you have not seen this movie, I encourage you to witness this haunting tale.

Nicole Kidman steals the film as the single mother, Grace. Honestly, this is one of Kidman’s best works! Everything from her incredible diction, calling out orders, and her scenes where she struggles to be a good mother captures an incredible performance. I commend her heart pounding performance as she slowly registers what is really amuck in her home.

My most favorite scenes are when Kidman explores different rooms of the house, fearfully trying to hunt for clues as she watches doors close in terror and listens to the hollow voices floating around her was amazing!

Alakina Mann and James Bentley were stupendous as Grace's children, Anna and Nicholas. The children have to spend their days in the dark, due to their life-threatening disease of natural light.

Mann embraced her role, standing her ground to defend herself against her mother, arguing and at times teasing her own brother. She was terrific onscreen! I am very surprised that Mann has not gone on to perform in more films. Mann was a natural, and her authentic performance blew me away.

Fionnula Flanagan performs as the mysterious housekeeper, Mrs. Mills. While she knows more about the forthcoming predicament than Grace and her family, that does not stop her from being supportive. Flanagan’s eerie and yet generous performance was delivered very well.

Since the film takes place in the confines of this humongous mansion only a few other notable actors appear in this story. Christopher Eccleston, Eric Sykes, Elaina Cassidy, Renee Asherton, Keith Allen, and Michelle Fairley grasp the haunting tone of the film with the right emotion.

The twist in The Others is handcrafted into a beautifully written script and well thought out direction. This is a very different ghost movie compared to other suspenseful dramas. The film constantly leaves you guessing one scene after another.

The story is very moving and enticing. Instead of constant jump scares, the horror is questionable. What is real and what is not? There are plenty of scenes to make your skin crawl fearing the safety of the well-being of the characters.

Almost every scene in the film is dark. Despite the darkness that does not take away from speculating the beautiful mansion the family lives in. It added to the mood of the film and was completely necessary. From endless hallways, expensive galore filling the shelves, and dark stairwells and attics where most of the action takes place.

Alejandro Amenabar’s clever direction delivered a legacy to film history! The characters were spot on, the chilling tone made goosebumps fly up your spine, followed by a conclusion that makes you sit on your couch trying to decipher how you missed the clues.

The Others is a fantastic drama filled with outstanding actors. I am beyond amazed by Nicole Kidman’s phenomenal performance. If you have not seen this film avoid trailers or any information upon doing so. Watch it with fresh eyes.