An old-fashioned ghost story that tightens its screws masterfully.

Rating: 8/10 (17 February 2018)

'The Others (2001)' is an old-fashion ghost story, in the vein of Gothic horror like that which was popularised in the late 1800s, told in the style of the old-fashioned ghost films of the sixties in which suspense and story were more important than outright scares and special effects - a rare yet effective philosophy. It's at times a slower piece and the horror generally comes from quiet bumps in the night, so if you're expecting jump-scares or overt gore you're likely to be disappointed, but thanks to a keen focus on character and narrative technique you're always invested right up until the breath-taking climax that I'd peg as perhaps one of the best endings in any horror picture ever made. Unexpected, intelligent and edge-of-your-seat stuff that tightens its screws masterfully. 8/10