One of the most memorable spine chillers of recent years.

Rating: Null/10 (13 November 2003)

What at first glace looks to be an example of a classic ghost story soon shapes up to become one of the most memorable spine chillers of recent years.
Set during the 1940's in Jersey The Others' is the story of Grace, a woman living in a secluded manor house, caring for her photosensitive children and struggling to come to terms with the loss of her husband in the battlefields of World War II. When three new housekeepers arrive, sinister happenings in the house force Grace to question her Christian beliefs and her sanity in this atmospheric supernatural thriller.
Because of her children's allergy to light Grace is forced to live in almost complete darkness, which makes for a gloomy and sinister mood. The pace is unhurried with Director Amenabar deftly and subtly developing the story right to the finale, keeping the audience guessing all the way. The cinematography is excellent and plays a key part in the psychological delivery of the movie, really building on the claustrophobic atmosphere.

Kidman is on top form playing a proud but desperate woman with belief and a lot of sensitivity. The supporting cast provide strong performances without over doing it allowing and doing enough to let Kidman to play off them well and provide the emotional aspect. A particular mention must go to Alakina Mann who plays Grace's young daughter Ann, who stands toe to toe with Kidman in many of the films more dramatic scenes and proves herself to be more than a competent match for her elder in all respects.
Despite all of it's merits, this won't suit all tastes as it opts for well crafted and intelligent suspense as opposed to cheap frights and crude shocks. The tension is racked up right to the finale where there is a shocking twist, which I did find a little anti climatic however still satisfying, tying up the story well and not leaving any loose ends.
I am sure there will be comparisons made with The Sixth Sense', however while I agree that the style is the same and the success of M. Night Shyamalan's debut may have aroused new interest in the genre, The Other's far surpasses it.
Overall I was pleasantly pleased with the end result and found it to be a haunting and sombre new twist on the ghost story.
8.5/10