Spooky and Well Done

Rating: 9/10 (5 October 2009)

The Orphanage is quietly evocative, moody and haunting. It is reminiscent of some of Guillermo del Toro's work, (he was one of this film's producers,) and also draws on the traditions of classic horror movies from the 1930s through the 1960s. It is refreshing to see a modern ghost story which doesn't rely on buckets of blood to tell its tale. The cinematography is excellent, the script is well thought out and beautifully executed. The acting is great. Director Juan Antonio Bayona gets fine performances from the entire cast, especially the lead Belén Rueda as Laura. If you are looking for a classically styled horror movie which is creepy rather than startling, this may be right up your alley. Not just a good spooky movie, this is a really good movie regardless of genre.