The Others, released in 2001, is a gothic supernatural psychological horror film written and directed by Alejandro Amenábar. Set in 1945 in Jersey, the film stars Nicole Kidman as Grace Stewart, a widow living in a large, isolated manor with her two young children, Anne and Nicholas, who suffer from photosensitivity. This condition forces Grace to keep the house shrouded in darkness, with heavy curtains drawn over every window. The story begins as Grace hires three new servants—Mrs. Bertha Mills, the mute Lydia, and gardener Mr. Edmund Tuttle—after the previous staff mysteriously disappeared.
As the film unfolds, strange occurrences begin to plague the household. Anne claims to see a boy named Victor in the house, leading Grace to suspect that they are not alone. The atmosphere thickens with tension as Grace grapples with her children's claims and her own deteriorating mental state. The narrative is steeped in suspense and dread, reminiscent of classic haunted house tales but distinguished by its psychological depth and slow-building tension.
The climax reveals a shocking twist: Grace and her children are actually ghosts, having died years earlier after a tragic incident involving Grace's despair over her husband's death during World War II. In a moment of madness, she smothered her children before taking her own life, believing that they would be reunited in the afterlife. The arrival of the living family—who are unaware of their presence—forces Grace to confront her past actions and the reality of their existence.
The Others received critical acclaim for its atmospheric storytelling, strong performances (particularly from Kidman), and effective use of suspense without relying on flashy special effects. The film grossed approximately $210 million worldwide against a modest budget of $17 million and was nominated for several awards, winning eight Goya Awards including Best Film and Best Director. Its blend of horror and psychological drama has made it a standout entry in the genre, often praised for its intelligent script and haunting atmosphere.