As a connoisseur of horror films, I can confidently say that The Others is a modern masterpiece that deserves a place in every horror enthusiast’s collection. With its atmospheric setting and haunting performances, this film is a testament to Alejandro Amenábar’s exceptional storytelling abilities.
Beginning in early January 2025, Shudder subscribers can now stream the critically-acclaimed modern ghost story The Others, featuring a captivating performance by Nicole Kidman. Previously unavailable on any subscription service, this film only recently became accessible for rental or purchase online. Although January is typically not known for its horror offerings, revisiting this outstanding film from the past few decades might change that perception. On New Year’s Day, 2025, immerse yourself in The Others, an excellent choice to help you shake off any lingering effects of New Year’s Eve festivities.
In the direction of renowned filmmaker Alejandro Amenábar, known for his work such as Open Your Eyes and later remade into Vanilla Sky, comes the chilling narrative of The Others. This film centers around Grace Stewart, a mother residing in an isolated European manor during the mid-1940s with her children Anne and Nicholas. Grace is anticipating the return of her husband from war, and she single-handedly takes care of her sun-sensitive offspring, believing that “sunlight could be fatal.” As a result, Grace meticulously ensures the curtains are drawn before the children enter any room, creating an eerie atmosphere.
On a particular day, three enigmatic individuals unexpectedly knock on the door, asking for work. Grace decides to give them a chance and hire them. However, shortly after they move in, strange occurrences start haunting the mansion. Grace and her children begin hearing mysterious voices in the shadows, and objects mysteriously shift around the house. As time passes, Grace uncovers that they might not be the only inhabitants of this vast manor. The source of the “haunting,” however, is as unfathomable as it is alarming.
Back in the day, I was utterly captivated by “The Others,” a film that left quite an impression upon its debut. It’s still holding strong with an impressive 84% Fresh rating on Rotten Tomatoes. This masterpiece catapulted its director into the limelight, leading him to create the globally praised film “The Sea Inside” featuring Javier Bardem. The three-way collaboration between Spain, France, and the United States was a $17 million project that turned out to be a blockbuster success for StudioCanal and Dimension Films, raking in over an impressive $210 million worldwide.
In various award ceremonies, The Others was also a significant victor. Nicole Kidman received multiple Best Actress nominations from the BAFTAs, Golden Globes, Satellite Awards, London Film Critics’ Circle, Saturn Awards, and even the Goya Awards, which are similar to the Spanish Academy Awards. Interestingly, despite The Others being widely recognized as one of her best performances, Nicole Kidman didn’t win the Best Actress award at these ceremonies.
‘The Others’ Is a Seminal Work of Gothic Horror
Few contemporary films have mastered the art of Gothic horror like Amenábar’s “The Others.” Unlike many modern horror films that often overindulge in special effects and technological advancements from the 2000s, “The Others” demonstrates a refined approach to storytelling. This film is a tribute to the classics, effectively imitating them in a modern context. Notably, it employs visual elements reminiscent of classic horror films such as “The Haunting,” “The Uninvited,” “Carnival of Souls,” and particularly “The Innocents.” If you appreciate British Gothic horror, this movie is definitely worth watching.
As a movie enthusiast, let me tell you that the acting is top-notch and the ambiance is relentlessly intense. The scares are maturely executed without relying on cheap jump scares, which were prevalent in many horror movies of the early 2000s. Instead, it maintains a subtle tone that builds up until an unexpected and emotionally impactful climax. If you thought this was just another ghost story, then you’re in for a delightful surprise. And if you don’t have Shudder or prefer not to use a trial, I highly recommend purchasing The Others – it’s worth every penny. By the way, The Criterion Collection has a fantastic 4K UHD release with a wealth of special features. However, you can stream it on Shudder starting January 1, 2025. Enjoy!
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2024-12-24 16:32