Analysis
I was unaware how to pre-judge this film as I entered the cinema. A few sites had given it a luke warm reception and so I was prepared for the worst. The film had received a UK 12 certificate which led me to believe that the film was not going to be scary, not a good thing for a horror thriller.
The cast and director, with the exception of Nicole Kidman, Eric Sykes and Keith Allen were also unknown to me. So with an open mind I watched and guess what....I enjoyed.

The 101 minutes had me engrossed, on the edge of my seat, wanting to find out how the film would conclude. I would put "The Others" in the same category as "The Gift" or "Sixth Sense". It's a film that just builds up and up, the audience are drip fed little clues as the story unfolds and it climaxes with a great twist. I admit I didn't anticipate the film ending the way it did but I thought it was a great twist anyway. Throughout the film there are some excellent moments that had me jumping out of the seat, but I really feel that giving some examples would spoil the film. Well maybe just one brief example. The 2 children hiding in a cupboard with Nicholas out off breath due to all the running he's done. Anne instructs him to stop his breathing but still the heavy breathing continues
With a 12 certificate its still jump factor ten. The cinemas Dolby Digital was certainly put through its paces, the sound alone added to the scenes. For example the music room scene and the scene where Grace sits downstairs embroidering whilst her daughter is made to stand on the stairs reciting the bible as punishment for seeing "The Others" was memorable for the sound alone. The sound of furniture moving around in the bedroom above was really brought to life and believable as the sound was channeled through rear speakers. Nicole Kidman played Grace brilliantly. Her fear really came across, the fear in her eyes alone. I wouldn't be surprised if she picked up a few awards along the way for this performance. I never really rated her as an actor, but since seeing her in "Moulin Rouge" my views have started to change. Alakina Mann as Anne, with her ability to be not as afraid as everyone else of "The Others" is entertaining. With her confident attitude she really is a key and memorable character. James Bentley who plays Nicholas is Annes younger brother. His character is again well thought out and he relies strongly on his older sister's knowledge and bravery, but it does get them in to many predicaments. Again two very well acted and believable characters.

If I was to look deep for a critical comment, I could say that I have seen very similar plots before, but that didn't stop me enjoying the film.

Key Area	Rating (out of 5)	Comment
Action		No explosions, car chases etc just 101% tension
Thrills/ Tension		Edge of your seat throughout.
Violence/ Gore	NONE	No blood or gore just frights a plenty.
Bare Flesh		Some brief shots of Nicole in her bedroom but that's about it I'm afraid.
Plot		Just one big escalator to the stars. Drip-fed a small twist and then one hell of a twist to end the film on.

Verdict Yes, yes, yes and yes. "The Others" went straight in to my top 5 films of 2001. I watched, I jumped, I was scared, I enjoyed. I came out the cinema and I actually felt chilled by it all. This is always a sign of a good movie. See this film at the cinema, but if you can't then wait for the DVD. It will be worth the wait trust me. The better quality the sound system you watch it on, the better it will be. As the sound really does come at you from all angles. Just watch it. But not alone.

Atmosphere overload.