In our recent Halloween movie list post, I indicated that I would review a movie choice for you that was not on the list. There were two reasons for that decision. First, I really wanted to highlight the movie as the sneaker rental you should grab for Wednesday night. Second, just by inserting The Others into a category, I would have possibly given the entire plot away. Yeah, it's that transparent and would ruin the movie if you put 2 + 2 together too soon. Unspoiled though, this movie will creep the *&%$ out of you.
The entire movie takes place inside and on the grounds of a large manor house located on a British island shortly after World War 2 and the German occupation of said island. You know you really can't beat a manor house as a location for either an English murder mystery or an old school ghost story. Nicole Kidman heads up the cast as Grace Stewart, the mother of two young children with a serious illness left behind as their father went away to war.
It becomes readily apparent as we are introduced to the house, the new house staff, and the children that there is something very strange about it all. When we first hear the disembodied voice, and see the disembodied hand we realize this is a real ghost story. Usually the children in these sorts of movies always know more than the adults and this doesn't veer from that formula, but thankfully it adds all the necessary chills.
Kidman plays the lonely mother barely holding it together quite well. You truly believe that any moment she's going to absolutely loose it, and that's part of the pull. The children are excellent in their roles, alternately knowing and terrified when called on. Kudos to Alakina Mann as daughter Anne Stewart. She speaks with confidence and sass as she's the only one that seems to have a handle on things, but I want to go through the t.v. at times and slap her smart mouth. Sue me.
On the other side of that, James Bentley plays the young son Nicholas Stewart. He spends the film terrorized by his sister and the things she says. He resembles the boy who played Damien in the recent Omen remake, and frankly that just makes this movie more freaky.
I'd be remiss if I didn't mention the three new additions to the home which we meet at the beginning of the film. The staff which knocks on the door and sends the picture into drive. The cook, housemaid and gardener, who seem to have an alternative agenda, and are clearly aware of something that nobody else is privy too. This trio completes the package of a well done thriller.
In the end you may slap your head and say, oooooohhhhh! Believe me when I tell you that there could be worse ways to get to a climax. The last scene is haunting and when the last frame plays I want the film to keep going. What happens next? Give me some more, I want to see the next interaction.
Pick it up from the rental store on your way home today or tomorrow before the kids head off to raid the neighborhood. I don't think you'll be disappointed.
Elijah
Look for a slew of reviews next week as the family goes out of town for a week. We'll try to mix the genre's around a little to keep you entertained.
Great response in last weeks poll! Rushmore took the win with 4 votes to Royal Tenenbaums 3, some scattered votes for other Wes Anderson films, and 2 votes asking who the hell is Wes Anderson.
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