Guillermo del Toro (Pan's Labyrinth) presents this movie by fellow Spanish director, Juan Antonio Bayona. "El Orfanato" is, quite rightly, being touted as this year's "Pan's Labyrinth"; indeed, the atmosphere and camera work of both movies is similar, and each movie is crafted within a mythology.
Where "Pan's Labyrinth" paralleled Greek fairy tales, "El Orfanato" echoes the story of Peter Pan. "Pan's Labyrinth" was an amazing, visually sumptous and contemplative movie; similarly, "El Orfanato" leaves an imprint on the audience long after its viewing.
The creepy ghost story layer of the movie relies on subtle, quiet thrills, in the vein of "The Others". On the level of the Peter Pan story, actor Belen Rueda's turn as an aging Wendy, who enters Neverland to retrieve her Lost Boy, is heartbreaking and engaging.
Well-made, critically acclaimed, and true horror films are few and far between; I am a horror movie afficionado who recognizes that the genre receives little credit among critics' circles, if only because all too many horror movies today do not even take themselves seriously. 'Thriller' is not the same as 'horror', a fact that should be acknowledged by big budget blockbusters who label themselves the latter; likewise, critics should recognize that horror is a valid genre, not simply the realm of low-budget teen slasher films (although those can be fun). Movies such as "El Orfanato" may just get people to appreciate horror as more than a guilty pleasure. But enough ranting.
This film was amazing. I was terrified, with my hand over my mouth for half of the movie, and then uncontrollably sobbing at the end. This movie receives my highest rating and recommendation: 5 out of 5 skulls.
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