PopHorror Let's Get Scared
Twenty years ago, the world was given a unique and tragic tale set in Alejandro Amenábar’s suspenseful film, The Others. Set in 1940s Channel Islands, the story follows irate mother Grace (Nicole Kidman) as she struggles to deal with a husband at war, two children with severe photosensitivity, and complete isolation from society. To make matters worse, three strangers arrive at her mansion… and they’re not the only unexpected visitors. This film took a seemingly typical haunted house trope and completely turned it on its head. So, let’s close the curtains, light all the candles, and discuss what makes this film so impactful in the horror genre!
(WARNING: SPOILERS!!!)
Releasing in the US on August 2, 2001, The Others will always hold a special place in my heart. It was the first truly frightening haunted house movie I’d ever seen. As a kid, I used to scare my sister by randomly humming the song young Anne (Alakina Mann) sings in the film. Over the years and many rewatches later, I’ve learned to appreciate it for the brilliant piece of storytelling it is. The Others also provides one of the most heartbreaking and disturbing revelations. It’s a movie that hits all of the major emotions and leaves quite an impression even twenty years later.
The first thing I believe is perfectly executed was the suspension. Not only are the main characters paranoid of what they see and hear, but the audience is, too. In fact, to add to the suspense during filming, the film’s writer/director, Alejandro Amenábar, played scary music at random times to raise the actors’ fears. Overall, The Others makes us wonder if we are watching a proper haunted house story or a descent into madness and manipulation. It makes you question everything and then gives an answer I guarantee no one saw coming.
The next thing that leaves an impact in the horror community is the wonderful cast. I would like to start with the lovely Fionnula Flanagan. Her performance as Mrs. Bertha Mills is so compelling. I love her ability to portray an innocent nanny who simultaneously bears a suspicious demeanor. She makes us question her real intentions until the very end.
Then we move onto the children, Anne and Nicholas. About 5,000 children auditioned for the two roles. Finding the perfect actor for Nicholas was very quick; James Bentley was cast almost right away. Although, finding the ideal actress for Anne proved to be more difficult. The filmmakers needed someone who was strong-willed and able to go against her fictional mother, Grace. Alakina Mann proved beyond a doubt that she was up to the task. I believe Amenábar created the character of Anne to question her Catholic mother due to his own experiences in Catholic school.
Then we get to the mother herself, played by Nicole Kidman. Initially, Kidman didn’t want to be in The Others. She didn’t like the idea of being in a film that went to some very dark places, so she tried to convince Amenábar to find someone else for the role. She even quit during rehearsals because the role started to give her nightmares. On one hand, due to the nature of the story, I can’t really say I blame her for being reluctant. On the other hand, I’m glad she stuck with it, because this is honestly my favorite performance of hers. I sincerely hope working on the film hasn’t completely traumatized her.
What makes The Others so memorable is not only the multiple twists but also the subtle hints that people catch after subsequent watches. For instance, when Anne describes a ghost to her brother, she points out that they carry clanking chains. When Grace sees her husband, Charles (Christopher Eccleston), in the fog, his footsteps make the sound of chains clanking together. Another hint is when Mr. Tuttle (Eric Sykes) is covering the gravestones in the little cemetery. One of the stones is peaking out at the top, and it is clearly a Celtic cross. A Celtic cross was common for Christians in Ireland. Mrs. Mills is Irish, and that cross is a clue that it is indeed her gravestone.
I think twenty years is a decent amount of time to determine whether a film is considered a classic or not. I can say that with great certainty that I consider The Others to be a classic. However, if it’s not considered a classic by the masses, I’ll continue writing about it until it is.
