Spanish chiller reminiscing to classics like the Haunting, truly outstanding.

Rating: 8/10 (27 April 2008)

You wouldn't believe how refreshing it is to sit down a watch a horror movie that doesn't fully rely on gore to thrill. We are living in an age where this so called "Gorno" rules the horror genre and to be perfectly honest I'm pretty sick of it. Fortunately "The Orphanage" is set to end this vicious cycle once and for all. A genuinely terrifying thriller that knows its audience. Using the traditional "ghost story" plotting for its devilish games. The brilliant thing is that this is a horror movie that generates character sand raw emotion allowing its audience to be captivated by its powerful presence.
Unfairly dubbed as "The new Pans Labyrinth" giving it a lot to live up to. As far as far as I'm concerned this is a timeless horror classic. Filled with jump out of your skin moments and truly hair raising suspense. Not to mention the tear jerker of an ending that will have even the most stubborn of viewer trying to avoid crying. For such a typical and worn story it's a wonder how Juan crafted so many original plot twists and moments of shock when you would naturally think you know the tricks of the trade.
Rueda character Laura is not only fully relatable but also very human, far from your typical blond provided by most horror flicks our generation gives us. She is a late-thirty something who returns - along with her husband Carlos and adopted son Simon  to the rundown home for orphans she grew up in. She wants to re-open it as a home for kids with special needs, but she discovers her old friends might never have left as Simon is soon playing with new invisible friends.
After an unnerving visit from a gaunt old lady, and untimely revelation and argument with her son, Laura's plan gets suddenly knocked awry by his disappearance. It flows beautifully, though that just might be the British perception of foreign films, the language used almost makes the film seem like a poem. That and rather haunting imagery used throughout. I remember recently buying a Spanish film of a similar nature. Guillermo Del Toro's The Devils Backbone and after seeing this realizing how great a double bill would be. What the devils backbone lack in shocks The Orphanage provides. Visa versa with plot.
Therefore I do recommend you seeing The Devils Backbone before you view this only that way will you know whether you're going to like The Orphanage or not. My verdict is that if you were to miss this year's "Pans Labyrinth" then shame on you. Filled with unforgettable images and genuine horror.
This is for anyone who is sick of seeing the same old gore porn being produced each year. Don't Miss.