The Orphanage ~~ ½

Without any knowledge, other than this being a ‘little horror film', I was pleasantly surprised by this Spanish story of mystery, love and longing. Firstly, I would say that this is not a horror film rather, this is a story of a couple and their little boy and the past which comes back to haunt them. The family move back into the old orphanage in which the mother Laura grew up in. Their adopted son, unknowing of his own heritage, is ill but lives in blissful ignorance playing happily with his imaginary friends. All seems well on the surface until one day, whilst on a walk to the local coastal caves, the little boy ‘meets’ a new imaginary friend. Laura is understandably concerned about this childish indulgence but resolves to encourage her son to seek friendship with the forthcoming children to their new foster home.

Whilst this story takes a while to unravel, the slow pace and the unassuming action does take hold of you. And by the time it does, things begin to get going. A mysterious woman appears at their home and clues as to the strange noises and little boys actions start to make sense. There is a great sense of unknown being played upon and children’s games point to the answers.

Things take an unfortunate turn for the family when the little boy goes missing. The parents, distraught and confused, turn to the police and then mystics. The history of the house and the children within is explored until Laura takes matters in to her own hands. Ultimately, she uncovers the truth of the situation and when she does, I’ll put money on the fact that a lump will appear in your throat!

The story, whilst believable to a point, takes an unexpected turn but the film makers aid you all the way. In a marvellous twist to the proceedings, what you see is what you get. The novelty of being presented with the whole truth in a film is rather wonderful. No tricks, no red herrings. And whilst the film gives insight into the Spanish sense of melancholy is seems to present a refreshing portrayal of mortality and love. An interesting rather than brilliant film, all the elements (cast, scenery, script etc) hold very well together resulting in a touching and interesting take on the haunted house genre of film. Not bad at all.