I decided to watch this movie after reading Lydia Schoch’s review. For as much as I love Halloween, I don’t actually like most horror movies. Most of them contain far too much gore and violence, and little to nothing in the way of a truly frightening atmosphere. Lydia has also compiled a list of horror movies for those who dislike the horror genre, and this one is on it.
And let me tell you, it’s good. Really good. Creepy, atmospheric and in many ways poignant, it tells the story of a widowed young mother and her two small children, who dwell in a lonely and remote old mansion. One day, a group of servants arrives, seeking employment. The servants are older, with clothes and habits that seem distinctly… old-fashioned.
From there, strange events begin to occur. All the classic elements of a haunted house story begin to unfold: strange noises; doors opening by themselves, strange visitors who appear and disappear suddenly. It’s all very much a classic Gothic tale of a haunted house.
And yet, at the same time, it isn’t. Or rather, it puts a novel spin on the concept. I can’t say any more without giving it away, and it’s very important that I not do that. Perhaps this is fortunate; it prevents me from going on at length like I sometimes do. But, trust me, I could talk about this one for much longer… but I daren’t, because so much of what I want to say involves the final twist, or shall I say, the final “turn of the screw?”
The film definitely feels loosely inspired by Henry James’ much-discussed ghost novella. (Or is it a ghost novella? That’s the discussion, isn’t it?) But frankly, while that book is interesting in concept, it’s not really got much else to recommend it. The Others borrows what is good about that story, and then takes it a little further. Again, I’m afraid I can’t say any more than that.
If you haven’t seen it, don’t look up spoilers. Just read Lydia’s review and go from there. Also, it’s best to watch this movie late in the afternoon on a gray, rainy day; ideally with some fog in the air. That’s what I did, and it added something to the experience.
If you like ghost stories, The Others is a must-see.
We watched it and it did have a twist at the end. Good story without having to be graphic.
My kind of horror! 🙂
Watched this ages ago, and I still remember the plot, which is saying something considering my sieve-brain! I much prefer this kind of horror to icky gore-fests. I remember hiding behind the cushion (yes, I am one of those 😂) for at least a couple of scenes. The twist at the end honestly took me by surprise. Good film, and good review without giving anything away 😊
Watched this ages ago and still remember the plot! I much prefer this kind of horror instead of icky gore-fests. I remember hiding behind my cushion (yes, I am one of those 😂) for one scene in particular. And the twist at the end genuinely surprised me. Good film, and good review without giving anything away 😊
(By the way, apologies if my comment shows up twice, my first attempt disappeared!)
Thanks. It was tricky to review this because it hinges so much on the twist.
Sorry about that; weird stuff has been happening with the comments lately.
lol – one of my all time favourite movies, despite the fact that I don’t enjoy horror either, is ‘The Innocents’, a 1961 adaptation of the Turn of the Screw. I subsequently read the book as well, but didn’t like it quite as much. I think Nicole Kidman is a good actress, but I know I’d be constantly comparing her to Deborah Kerr if I watched her version. :/
Ooh, I’ll have to look up “The Innocents.” Deborah Kerr is always good. Thanks!
I’m so late with this comment, but thank you for the shoutouts! I’m glad you liked this film so much.
For anyone who is wondering, there haven’t been any updates on the remake for the past few years. The writers’ and actors’ strike has probably delayed it just like everything else, but I’m still hoping it will happen.
if it does, I still plan to write review of the remake. 🙂
And from what I recall, it was inspired by The Turn of the Screw, so you hit the nail on the head there.