Disappointing

Rating: 6/10 (22 March 2008)

I went to see this film not expecting too much and was therefore unmoved by the end credits. This is a film in the horror category that plays on atmosphere, camera style and storyline rather than sheer gore. To that end it's a decent enough effort. Yes it does deliver a hefty chunk of chilling atmosphere and the film is heavily influenced by such films as The Others, The Haunting and even The Grudge. The acting is fine too but I found many of the scenes overlong and predictable. Apart from two moments which will jolt you out of your seat, there is a distinct lack of scariness here simply because the key scenes are not convincing enough and there is a distinct lack of creepiness, director Bayona obviously preferring tension and pseudo-suspense - the latter of which is misplaced in a number of scenes. I can understand perfectly some people being drawn convincingly into the story by simple virtue of it's claustrophobic feel and the way it's all played out, but that is not enough to save it from being at times laborious. Instead of it being one of Spain's best it simply creates a level to which others might aspire to do better. A good effort but nonetheless disappointing.