Classics: A Review of The Others By Lauren Ennis

 As long as humanity has grappled with death it has shared ghost stories. For millennia we have used the specter of ghosts to cope with our eternal questions of what has become of those we have loved and lost and what awaits us upon our own inevitable deaths. These tales have taken on a variety of forms from the chilling to the melancholic, but rarely has any ghost story been so original and haunting as 2001's The Others. Over twenty years after its release The Others continues to grip audiences with its wrenching tale of grief, guilt, and acceptance. For a hunting like no other pay a visit to the British isles with The Others.

The story begins in 1945 on the Channel Island of Jersey after the end of Nazi occupation of the island during World War II. Three servants arrive at the country manor of Grace Stewart and her two young children. The children, Nicholas and Anne suffer from severe photosensitivity and become ill when exposed to sunlight. In an effort to ensure their health Grace shrouds the home in darkness, much to the servants' discomfort. Soon after the servants' arrival, eerie things begin happening which defy explanation. Devoutly religious Grace dismisses her children's stories of ghostly imaginary friends as childhood fantasy at best and sacrilegious pranks at worst. When she has otherworldly encounters of her own, however, her skepticism and faith are put to the ultimate test. 

The film showcases all of the thrills, chills, and eerie atmosphere of a classic ghost story while still offering a unique take on the genre. The film sets itself apart from the majority of ghost stories by exploring not only supernatural hauntings but also the memories and regret that haunt us all. In this way, the film acts equally as well as either a meditation upon grief, regret, and letting go or a supernatural thriller. The film also stands out from its contemporaries by limiting its use of special effects and trusting viewers to use their own imaginations to devise even greater scares than any that CGI could conjure. In this way, the film avoids both dating itself and talking down to its audience. The film's final twist is nothing short of devastating and is certain to haunt viewers long after the final credits fade. This Halloween, take an island vacation to die for with The Others.

The film casts an unnerving spell thanks to the spirited work of its cast. Christopher Eccleston perfectly captures the torment of Grace's traumatized husband, Charles. Fiornula Flanagan conveys warmth and understanding as Mrs. Mills. Elaine Cassidy is nothing short of haunting in her silent, but powerful, turn as mute servant Lydia. James Bentley captures Nicholas' innocence without becoming saccharine. Alakina Main shows surprising maturity in her compelling turn as Grace's willful daughter, Anne. Nicole Kidman turns in one of the most mesmerizing performances of her career in her depiction of Grace's downward spiral into madness.

A classic ghost story with a modern edge, The Others is essential Halloween viewing. The equal parts uncanny and intelligent script is sure to keep viewers on the edge of their seats. The stellar performances of the cast bring the story to haunting life. This Halloween get in touch with your spiritual side with The Others.