I reviewed “The Others” back in 2012–my 18th overall review. That was at a time when my thirst for horror had yet to kick in. I liked the movie for its scares and twist ending but didn’t have the tools to fully digest what I watched. I decided that an updated viewing with my now honed critical skills and appreciation for the horror genre was in order.
Released in 2001, “The Others” came during the horror renaissance of the late ’90s and early ’00s. A time when films like “The Sixth Sense” and “The Ring” were walking the line of horror and cinema with A-list cast in leading roles and blockbuster feel with score and effects. To land an actress like Nicole Kidman in a starring role is almost unheard of for horror. The result is an unheralded classic for the genre.
Perfect Horror Ambiance
Set in 1945, “The Others” takes place in a colossal mansion enshrouded in an endless fog. Grace Stewart (Nicole Kidman) resides in said mansion with her two creepy kids. There’s ambiguity from the start. A trio of servants arrives to replace ones that mysteriously vanished. Grace’s husband left for WWII and has not been heard from since. She has a set of bizarre rules everyone must follow inside the haunted house.
Nicole Kidman is the star of the film and demonstrates how excellent a horror movie can be when top talent is involved. Kidman displays a range required for a scary film. Grace Stewart is an emotional character. A strict disciplinarian, she keeps her kids (Alakina Mann and James Bentley) in proper form. Nicole Kidman is as big a name as there is, and she has the chops to run the gauntlet of strong to terrified as the mystery unfolds.
True Terror
Filmmaker Alejandro Amenábar wrote and directed. The horror scenes are some of the best you will find on film. There’s tension at the onset. A mystery. A spooky locale. The arrival of ominous servants (Fionnula Flanagan and Christopher Eccleston) make us uneasy as we watch. It opens with one of the strongest jump scares I have ever experienced. Several scenes throughout are a terrifying blend with perfect chills that are never overdone.
At 105 minutes, the film doesn’t overstay its welcome. There’s not a wasted scene or editing misstep. The twist ending belongs up there with “The Sixth Sense” or “The Usual Suspects” as one of the best of all time. What’s great is that the story isn’t a standard haunted house affair. There’s a mystery element that weaves through the plot from beginning to end. Fear not, there are paranormal elements to keep the goosebumps fresh.
“The Others” proves to be a true modern era horror classic. I’m surprised it doesn’t land on more top movies of the genre lists. Excellent acting, directing, and filmmaking team up for a great production. I put the film in my list of favorite films, horror or otherwise.
