For a debut film, this is stunning

Rating: 10/10 (14 April 2008)

Juan Antonio Bayona's 'The Orphanage' is an amazing and creepy debut film that is wonderfully told and very, very tragic. Written by first-timer Sergio G. Sánchez, 'The Orphanage' tells the tale of Laura (Belén Rueda} who brings her husband Carlos (Fernando Cayo) and adopted son Simón (Roger Príncep) to her childhood home; an orphanage. She plans to reopen it as a home for children with disabilities. However, when her son befriends an invisible child, things soon begin to spiral out of control.
What truly makes this film unique is its blend of slow, brooding frights and a touching and beautiful story of a mother's devotion and love for her son. It has been awhile since a movie has scared me as much as this one. This is aided by a chilling score which is a great mood-setter. Furthermore, the film looks magnificent, with some lovely scenery and sweeping shots of the orphanage keeping the feel of the movie just right.
Belén Rueda gives a strong performance as the lead, given that most of the movie revolves around her. All the other actors are great, though. Guillermo Del Toro has rightly supported this fascinating, dark, tragic and brooding tale of loss and discovered a new Spanish director to look out for; Juan Antonio Bayona. Much like Del Toro's 'The Devil's Backbone' and 'Pan's Labyrinth,' 'The Orphanage' is a much more sinister type of fairytale horror based around children.
For those who like their horror scary, tense and masterfully made, then this film is for you. 5/5