The hallmark of a classic horror film is its ability to use the elements of the setting to create suspense, anticipation and surprise. ‘The Orphanage’/’El Orfanato’ is a fine example of the same as it explores a space between the real and other world that is inhabited by spirits with unfinished business.
The film revolves around Laura who returns to the orphanage where she spent her childhood, along with her doctor husband Carlos and an adopted child Simon, who is HIV positive. She plans to re-start the orphanage as a home for children with disabilities. Their plans are disrupted by the presence of spirits in the house and in the surrounding area.
These are spirits of children who seem to be able to communicate with Simon and play with him. On the inaugural day, Simon goes missing after a brief altercation with his mother and the couple spends the next 6 months trying to find him. Convinced that the spirits of the children would know something about his whereabouts, Laura must now prepare herself to enter their world and connect with them to know the truth.
Sergio Sanchez’ screenplay is outstanding. The scenes are crafted in such a manner that the viewer is always in anticipation of the next move. You will see simple and effective visual story telling techniques like doors slowly creaking open, muffled foot step sounds and silent pauses all adding to the dramatic effect. Director Juan Antonio Bayona brings the screenplay to life in a location of eerie beauty. The soundtrack of the movie is minimalist but it adds to the suspense superbly as the background score is briefly introduced at pivotal points in the story.
The acting honors go mainly to Belen Rueda as Laura. She has masterfully portrayed the angst of a mother who is trying to determine the whereabouts of her son. Fernando Cayo as Carlos and Geraldine Chaplin as Aurora, the medium who helps Laura connect with the spirits provide good support to Belen.
‘The Orphanage’ is a well made film and is worth watching if you want to see the other-worldly side of life being brought to screen. I recommend watching it at night with the lights off.
The film revolves around Laura who returns to the orphanage where she spent her childhood, along with her doctor husband Carlos and an adopted child Simon, who is HIV positive. She plans to re-start the orphanage as a home for children with disabilities. Their plans are disrupted by the presence of spirits in the house and in the surrounding area.
These are spirits of children who seem to be able to communicate with Simon and play with him. On the inaugural day, Simon goes missing after a brief altercation with his mother and the couple spends the next 6 months trying to find him. Convinced that the spirits of the children would know something about his whereabouts, Laura must now prepare herself to enter their world and connect with them to know the truth.
Sergio Sanchez’ screenplay is outstanding. The scenes are crafted in such a manner that the viewer is always in anticipation of the next move. You will see simple and effective visual story telling techniques like doors slowly creaking open, muffled foot step sounds and silent pauses all adding to the dramatic effect. Director Juan Antonio Bayona brings the screenplay to life in a location of eerie beauty. The soundtrack of the movie is minimalist but it adds to the suspense superbly as the background score is briefly introduced at pivotal points in the story.
The acting honors go mainly to Belen Rueda as Laura. She has masterfully portrayed the angst of a mother who is trying to determine the whereabouts of her son. Fernando Cayo as Carlos and Geraldine Chaplin as Aurora, the medium who helps Laura connect with the spirits provide good support to Belen.
‘The Orphanage’ is a well made film and is worth watching if you want to see the other-worldly side of life being brought to screen. I recommend watching it at night with the lights off.
