Wanna come over and play?

Rating: 10/10 (3 April 2008)

Wanna come over and play? In a foggy, dark night like this there's no better environment to watch a movie that takes you beyond the lines where the living and the restless could be together. What are the messages that the lost ones leave to the ones who still breathe? Are we willing to decipher them? Do we have the bravery to play a treasure hunt game that might lead you to an unknown place and time that probably you wouldn't be able to return? Guillermo Del Toro, one of the most successful Mexican directors, wants us to explore those deep stories behind the curtains of time and forgetfulness producing El Orfanato, a story placed in an unknown rocky beach in Spain, where an old house, once an orphanage 30 years ago, becomes the home of Laura (Belén Rueda), a former member of the aforementioned orphanage, along with her, her husband Carlos (Fernando Cayo) and their adopted son, Simón (Roger Príncep). It's common that sometimes children create imaginary friends... but Simón have met new friends in this house, friends that want to play Treasure Hunt with him, and they say that if you win, you can ask a wish.
Laura, after losing the most treasured thing for her decides to play Treasure Hunt as well, in a trail that makes her confront the hidden secrets and horrors that the orphanage had just after she left. Will she able to solve the mystery that the fogs of oblivion are covering? Can she fight the fear and the sorrow that could take her sanity or even her own life to reach the end of the game? The direction of this film was in charge of Juan Antonio Bayona, a Spanish young director with a masterful vision. Screenplay was in charge of Sergio Sanchez and the astonishing and frightening photography was performed by Oscar Faura.
This is a film that has 26 wins and 26 nominations, masterfully performed, thrilling, like one of those ghost stories you used to hear when you were a kid. Horror film enthusiast (like yours truly) would find it very satisfying.
There's no better environment like the one I'm right now to watch it... and not even better moment to review it. Dense fog, peaceful darkness and music of Silent Hill on my headphones... a feeling that would make you welcome death in its most peaceful respite.
Became a classic in my favorite films of all the times. Highly rated and recommendable.