A beautifully realised, scary film

Rating: 10/10 (8 January 2002)

A quick comment first: I loved this film.
Of course that should be apparent from my review, but lets not leave it to chance.
The Others is a reminder that a lot of work goes into making a film and that, at its best, cinema is art. The director, Alejandro Amenábar (try saying that three times after a few drinks), has done a superb job of crafting this film.
The basic plot line involves a woman named Grace (Nicole Kidman) who lives with her two photosensitive children in a mansion on Jersey, towards the end of the Second World War. They live alone with their newly hired servants as they wait for the return of the husband/father from the world war. Needless to say, there is a suspicion that the house is haunted and the tension skillfully generated in the film is a result of this suspicion.

The film succeeds in conveying a tangible feeling of Grace's isolation as she struggles to raise her, sometimes wilful, children alone. Amenabar, through the plotting, cinematography and soundtrack produces a stirring experience, the film is genuinely moving and totally involves the viewer.
Nicole Kidman is magnificent as Grace and manages to say "Oh" 15 times in the same scene without it appearing repetitive, she acts with great subtlety appearing both fragile and strong at once. It does not hurt that she is also beautiful - Tom Cruise, what were you thinking?
The other cast members are equally brilliant, with the children especially good. Alakina Mann was so good as the elder child that I wondered if it was an adult who had been minified (a-la Mini-Me) to play the part.
In addition, the end of the film is a triumph. Before I saw the film I had heard that there was a Sixth Sense-like ending. I was straining my brain throughout the movie to ascertain what the twist could be. However, I did not see it coming, and, like all great twists, it made perfect sense in the context of the movie and left me with a wry smile on my face asking What the?
This is cinema as it should be - well done to all involved.