A visual delight but mentally undemanding

Rating: 6/10 (13 January 2005)

This film has a lot to recommend it and yet I found it ultimately rather predictable and little more (in terms of plot) than a protracted tease.
Having said that, it is beautifully shot - lots of shadow, fog and flickering lamps. The camera angles are intelligent and the screenplay is thoughtful and convincing.
I rather feel that this film will appeal to those viewers who like ghost stories and do not expect any more than dramatic music and a sinister build-up to the denouement. It does not have the Gothic magic of Sleepy Hollow but the acting is impressive - especially from the two children Alakina Mann and James Bentley who were both fantastic. It was also wonderful to see Eric Sykes in his cameo role.
Nicole Kidman does a good job with what she has to do but I feel she is too good an actress to spend ninety minutes looking wide-eyed and frightened.
Worth seeing but not a truly great film. I'm sorry to say...