One-note gothic tale

Rating: 3/10 (6 May 2002)

Kidman is overwrought and stiff as the mother in a locked-house mystery. The young actress playing her daughter is marvelous. She takes much of the film on her shoulders but alas, it's a bit much for her to handle. Kidman's character makes no sense from beginning to end, and her involvement in the "twist" ending comes as little surprise. Fionnulla Flanigan scores points as the omniscient maid. But, alas, the film needs Kidman to carry it, and she buries it instead.