The Haunted Orphanage

Rating: Null/10 (28 May 2011)

Right from the lighting, cinematography, art direction, script, sound effect to the acting and direction, everything comes in harmony in Juan Antonio Bayona's 'El Orfanato'. As chilling and suspenseful as it is, the story itself is haunting and intricately layered. From the very beginning, Bayona grabs your attention and holds it until the closing credits have rolled. He sets a dark tone creating a cool atmosphere. The slightly washed out colours, use of light and sound and music contribute excellently.
The director does use some of the usual elements of horror films like strange sounds happening and jump moments but 'El Orfanato' is much more than that. The orphanage (that plays the title role) is a character of its own. Even though Laura and Carlos have renovated its interiors the viewer can sense a dark presence even before the 'strange things' start to happen. The mix of paranormal psychology, history and horror is skillfully done.
Montserrat Carulla and Geraldine Chaplin provide good support. Fernando Cayo does a fine job as the concerned husband who loves his wife without a doubt. Belén Rueda delivers a transcendent performance as she easily carries the film. She's been an underrated actress for a long time and its finally good to see her get her due.
There are a few minor quibbles in the writing. Laura is shown as a good loving mother and I found it odd that she'd let her son wander off inside a dark cave while she looks at sea-shells. Then there's another sequence where she is running outside in the rain with her HIV positive son. Knowing that the son is extremely vulnerable to any illness, I found it strange that she would take the risk. Perhaps the director wanted to depict that she was caught in the enthusiasm of the game.
However, these are only minor and they hardly ruin this chilling gem. 'El Orfanato' is a must watch for people who love to watch dark layered movies.