Seen on: January 12, 2008

The players: Director: Juan Antonio Bayona, Writer: Sergio G. Sanchez, Cast: Belen Rueda, Fernando Cayo, Roger Princep, Geraldine Chaplin, Montserrat Carulla

Facts of interest: Produced by Guillermo Del Toro, the master behind "Pan's Labyrinth."

The plot: Laura's dream of reopening the orphanage she grew up in is in jeopardy when her 7-year-old son starts playing mysterious fantasy games with an invisible friend.

Our quick thoughts: Most of Hollywood’s recent horror garbage desperately tried to thrill cinemagoers with cheap shock effects and bloody violence, but Juan Antonio Bayona’s first feature “The Orphanage” takes a different approach. The film uses pretty ordinary tricks to trigger suspense, creating a truly frightening atmosphere via dark settings and creepy noises. Squeaking doors, bangs against the walls and sudden appearances have never felt more real, putting the audience right into the middle of the action. 

From the poetic opening sequence to the mind-blowing showdown, the film takes immense pride in supplying its viewers with an intense storyline and a horde of thrilling scares. The orphanage itself is the perfect setting for a solid ghost tale, giving its characters plenty of room to experience the supernatural. Speaking of characters, the movie is well-equipped: a protective mother, a 7-year-old who plays with imaginary friends, and a strange child wearing a disturbing sack over his head are all part of an emotional story that will keep your eyes glued to the big screen.

Freaky quote: "They are outside. Listen." - Roger Princep

The final word: I honestly can’t think of any recent horror film that has scared me more than “The Orphanage.” Bayona’s debut is powerful and memorable, inviting everybody who’s willing to read a few subtitles to experience a 100-minute thrill ride that may restore your faith in a severely damaged horror genre.