Classically creepy...

Rating: 8/10 (26 May 2002)

***SPOILERS*** THE OTHERS harks back to classics like Jack Clayton's THE INNOCENTS (which was based on Henry James's "The Turn of the Screw") and Robert Wise's THE HAUNTING (based on Shirley Jackson's novel, THE HAUNTING OF HILL HOUSE). In and of itself, this bodes well (so to speak- for the viewer, at any rate): likening THE OTHERS to classic fright films based on classic written works automatically elevates it to a height most fright films (unfortunately) never even ASPIRE to, let alone attain. Ambiance can be EVERYTHING in a fright film- hence, the term- but, all too often, the alleged "auteurs" prove themselves more "hack" than visionary. Fortunately for filmgoers, director Amenabar is one of the more gifted young filmmakers now plying their trade. (Should Dan Curtis again resurrect DARK SHADOWS, it might prove a wise move to enlist the aid of the capable Amenabar.)