The Others

Certificate: 12
Director: Alejandro Amenábar
Screenwriters: Alejandro Amenábar
Starring: Nicole Kidman, Fionnula Flanagan, Alakina Mann, James Bentley, Eric Sykes, Christopher Ecclestone

On the Isle of Jersey Grace (Kidman) and her two children (Mann, Bentley) live an isolated existence in their mansion whilst awaiting the return of her husband (Ecclestone) from the recently-ended Second World War. When three mysterious servants make an unexpected arrival after the previous ones disappear it becomes clear that there is more to the house than meets the eye, as Grace struggles to protect her sanity and her children from unseen intruders.

The film’s effectiveness lies in what it leaves out rather than what it shows, its reliance on a richly developed creepy and claustrophobic atmosphere awash with blacks and greys paying off more than showing and demystifying the strange intruders and throwing as many scares at the audience as possible in the hope that some stick.

Nicole Kidman is at her best in this movie, phenomenally capturing the zealous manic over-protective mother perfectly and making the sense of fear truly tangible. Fionnula Flanagan provides strong support as the strong-willed nanny who also wants to protect the children, striking up wonderful chemistry as she battles with the dominant Kidman. Both children are also impressive, Alakina Mann’s self-assured cocky Anne nicely contrasting with the wide-eyed Nicholas played by James Bentley.

The Others keeps the audience guessing right until the end, Amenábar unfolding the mystery at just the right pace to build up the suspense. Whilst it is the twist that makes the film, possibly the best experience comes from watching it the second time around seeing everything perfectly fit into place with a greater sense of foreboding.

The film has something for everyone. On the one hand it works very well as a simple scary movie, but on the other it is also a refreshingly thoughtful and masterfully-crafted ghost story.



The Others airs on Saturday April 1 at 21.30 on BBC 2.