British horror enthusiasts have reason to celebrate as the critically acclaimed psychological thriller The Others has officially arrived on BBC iPlayer, giving viewers the perfect spooky weekend watch.
A Cult Classic Reborn
Originally released in 2001, this atmospheric horror film starring Nicole Kidman and Christopher Eccleston initially flew under the radar but has since developed a dedicated cult following. The film boasts an impressive 84% critics rating on Rotten Tomatoes and received a staggering 55 award nominations throughout its cinematic history.
Written and directed by Alejandro Amenábar, the film features Nicole Kidman in what many consider one of her finest performances as Grace, a woman struggling with her children's rare illness and the loss of her husband during World War II. Her son Nicholas is played by James Bentley and her daughter Anne by Alakina Mann.
Masterful Storytelling and Chilling Atmosphere
The narrative takes viewers on a tense journey that forces them to question every character and event. Grace's descent into madness begins when she becomes convinced her remote mansion is haunted, exacerbated by her daughter's visions of ghosts and her mysterious "friend" Victor.
The film masterfully builds tension through eerie piano melodies, mysteriously opening locked doors, and the sudden disappearance of household curtains. These elements plunge the already fragile mother into a state of panic as she interrogates her maid, Mrs Mills, played by Fionnula Flanagan, about potential "intruders" causing the supernatural disturbances.
Critical Acclaim and Lasting Legacy
Critics and fans alike have praised The Others for its intelligent approach to horror. Dan Nicola noted that "Nicole Kidman is at her icy best in this psychological thriller," while Patrik Cavanaugh highlighted how the film "proves that you don't always have to reinvent the wheel for a good ghost story."
One devoted fan on IMDb called the film a "masterpiece", writing: "Twenty years on, and The Others still rates as one of the best, most memorable horrors of the last two decades. It doesn't have the cheap gore or lazy scares that so many do."
Another enthusiast dubbed it the "first intelligent horror in years", praising how the film "re-teaches his audience that fear is especially caused by suggestion and the absence of explicit images." They particularly noted how the film "completely relies on atmosphere and eerie set pieces" rather than relying on graphic content.
The film's shocking ending has become legendary among horror fans, with many noting how it lingers in your thoughts for days after viewing. For those seeking a sophisticated, atmospheric horror experience or simply wanting to see Nicole Kidman at her dramatic best, The Others represents essential viewing that's now conveniently available for streaming on BBC iPlayer.
