A spine-tingling thriller, eventually

Rating: Null/10 (12 August 2001)

This is a well-made, creepy film that, with refreshing slowness, builds tension and a sense of dread. If you savour it, and don't enter the theater expecting a slam-bang rollercoaster of a movie, you'll enjoy it very much. Nicole Kidman commands her scenes rivetingly, and the child actors are natural. The movie is dark, both in tone and lighting. One finds oneself watching the shadows nervously. On several occasions, I got actual goosebumps watching the film, as did my companion. I would definitely see this film again, and will probably buy the DVD when it comes out, especially if there's an audio commentary. I'd rate it a 9/10.