THE ORPHANAGE

This is a Spanish horror movie from producer Guillermo Del Toro (Pan’s Labyrinth), in which a woman moves her family back to the orphanage she was raised in. Initially, as in any horror movie, you find yourself wanting to be terrified. After what seems like an extra-long tease before any real jump-in-your-seat moments, you realise that this film will transcend to much greater depths than simply scaring you. With special effects almost non-existent this haunting, beautifully shot film plays out as a mystery and a story of maternal love, fuelled by an extremely powerful performance from star Belén Rueda. It proves that the horror genre is most effective when allowed to mingle with other genres, and that the old tricks still work the best. (Evin Donohoe)