Seriously scary without gore or special effects - refreshing!

Rating: 9/10 (27 August 2001)

A fine piece of moviemaking. If you want to get scared without gore or special effects, this is the movie for you.
Nicole Kidman plays a devoted but shaky mother in post-WWII England whose husband is missing and whose children suffer from photosensitivity (allergy to bright light). Her giant, creepy house in the mists of England must be kept constantly dark, and doors kept closed because of her children's ailment. This is a wonderful device because it allows for several creepy door-opening moments.
Is the house really haunted? What is with this strange housekeeping staff? These and other questions had us guessing (wrongly) throughout the movie.
Kidman's performance is the best I've seen since "To Die For." She carries this movie beautifully. The supporting cast, especially the two young actors who portray her children, is also quite impressive.