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Directed by Written by Starring Rated R In Spanish
with English Presented by 114 minutes |
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THE ORPHANAGE Review
The film opens in the 1970s at an Orphanage where young Laura, who enjoys playing games with the fellow children there, has been adopted by a loving family. Soon after she leaves, a mysterious event happens that closes the orphanage down. Years later, a now adult Laura (Belen Rueda, magnificent) buys the orphanage with her doctor husband Carlos (Fernando Cayo) and their seven year old, HIV positive adopted son Simon (Roger Princep) with the intention of re-opening it as a center for sick and disabled children. When Simon arrives, he begins to talk about his imaginary friends. However, after an afternoon spent exploring the caves nearby Simon talks about another new imaginary friend, Tomas. Simon insists that Tomas is not imaginary and this, combined with the appearance of a social worker who threatens to take Simon away, results in the boy's sudden disappearance on the day the center opens. Months pass and Laura is convinced that the history of the orphanage has to do with Simon's disappearance, and learns that Simon's imaginary friends may just be those friends of hers as a child. Not only is THE ORPHANAGE one of the scariest and best films of the year, it is also one of the most emotionally moving films as well, as the theme of loss and desperation to find a child is never done better here. For scares, the film delivers quite a few jolts with very little special effects, it's most effective being the sight of Tomas, his head in a sack from being deformed and his first appearance through the eyes of Laura are frightening. The clues left for Laura to find her son are also chilling in how each one ends, and the use of sound and lighting are used flawlessly here, highlighted by a fantastic scene where a medium, played by Geraldine Chaplin, is hypnotized into seeing the spirits within the house. Her reactions to what she sees bring the scene to its tense moments but also etch the entire story in extreme realism. There is also the scariest game of Hide and Seek ever filmed, and a scene where you hear someone get into a bed with Laura, who starts a conversation thinking its her husband. After a few minutes pass, we see Carlos enter the room, signifying that Laura was alone the whole scene. It's very well done and not one single cliche in the scare factor at all. Also, any parent seeing this film will have nightmares, as the determination in Laura to find Simon mixed in with the passage of time make for some heartbreaking moments. Belen Rueda is absolutely mesmerizing in the lead, one of the best performances of the year. The Spanish beauty, best known for THE SEA INSIDE and television work in Spain, portrays a sympathetic, caring mother that shows love for Simon and also for her husband Carlos in very believable and touching ways. She is in virtually every scene in the film, and commands the screen very well. As stated above, Chaplin's special appearance is the one scene but what a scene it is, and Chaplin's emotions and reactions to the events around her enhance the scene chillingly. Child actor Roger Princep is also excellent as Simon, the HIV positive child who explains his friends with such an innocence that once he vanishes, you wish for his safe return. The script by Sergio C. Sanchez is excellent, and J.A. Bayona's direction is sharp. At the age of 31, Bayona shows a remarkable attention to detail, as this is one of the most heavily detailed and structured films that you need to pay attention to every scene in order to understand the film's ending, which is one of the most memorable in modern films. It's amazing in a year where I've heard so many filmmakers of the same age who claim that they understand horror, yet make comedies. J.A. Bayona understands the genre, and shows the polish of a veteran in his feature film debut. In all, THE ORPHANAGE is one of the best horror films of the year. Expertly written, brilliantly directed, skillfully acted, and emotionally draining film that brings the absolute best of what the horror genre has to offer. J.A. Bayona has now joined producer Guillermo del Toro and Nacho Cerda amongst the top crop of Spanish filmmakers devoted to horror. One of the best films of the year definitely. THE ORPHANAGE: 10 Out Of 10 Maggots
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HERE FOR AN INTERVIEW WITH DIRECTOR JUAN ANTONIO BAYONA CLICK HERE FOR AN INTERVIEW WITH STAR BELEN RUEDA!
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HERE
FOR AN INTERVIEW WITH PRODUCER GUILLERMO DEL TORO! |
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