The Others

These friends are the director Amenábar's first film that I had the opportunity to watch, and it made a big impression on me. It is the direction that significantly elevates this film above average. The premise is reminiscent of the supernatural Sixth Sense, but it is still different, somewhat more intimate and slower. Consequently, the details and the acting prowess stand out, starting with Nicole Kidman and ending with the child actors. I openly admit that in my eyes, this film surpasses the Sixth Sense. Only by a hair, but still. The good camera work and lighting create a perfectly eerie atmosphere. Overall impression: 90%. An example of a film that can create a horror atmosphere without expensive tricks, bloody splatters, and jumpscares. (30.06.2007)

My second encounter with Amenábar and another great movie experience. As in Thesis, he makes do with very little, and here he is able to masterfully create tension, even in such a banal situation as opening and closing a door. I got really scared a couple of times, and I was in constant suspense about what would come next. The final twist is really very surprising and I doubt anyone would have guessed it in advance. The Others is clear proof that it is possible to make a good horror film without macabre scenes, you "just" have to have a good script and be skilled behind the camera. And Amenábar has plenty of skills. He must be a renaissance man, he not only wrote the script but also the music (excellent!) and was even one of the orchestra members. I’m looking forward to your next film, Master. I can call you that, right? (16.03.2004)

Scared faces, darkness, and noises that almost kill the audience with their loudness in silence. I probably haven't seen a well-staged horror like this before. From its intimate beginning, through its unsettling progression, to its nerve-wracking finish with a devastating plot twist. During my first viewing, I was in complete shock, and the scene "but I am your daughter" made it damn hard for me to sleep for a while. (24.05.2006)

From the opening minutes you’ll be impressed by the oppressive environment and the atmosphere of a large and dark house, and even though the film moves at a very slow pace, you’ll remain sitting in your chair as if nailed, waiting for the big and dark thing that is inevitably getting closer and closer. The Others doesn't just induce terror through cheap jump-scares or gruesome apparitions, but rather, the director slowly and cleverly pushes the envelope throughout, playing with suspenseful scenes and managing to strike at the most unexpected moment. And the final twist, which I was really curious about, managed to surprise and shock me. But I was too at a loss for a full rating. (06.07.2011)

One of my favorite horror films. Amenábar directed his own great screenplay excellently. The whole film is literally soaked in an atmosphere that most horror films can only dream of. It keeps you on the edge of your seat and doesn’t end in a disappointing way as is often the case. In fact, the whole thing escalates deliciously at the end and some of the powerful atmosphere lingers on for a while after the credits roll. I'm not a big Nicole Kidman fan so the biggest surprise for me was how good she was in this film. I enjoyed it. Well done! (17.07.2016)