Writer/director Alejandro Amenabar has crafted what turns out to be a stylish, classy and moody little ghost story that has Nicole Kidman and her two children (who it turns out are allergic to light which makes the house constantly in the dark) hiring a new set of servants after which all sorts of supernatural goings-on occur. Is it the servants playing a cruel joke? Or is it some overworldly spirits?

In an age of dumb teen slasher flicks it's great to see an intelligent genre picture that's anchored by a solid performance by Kidman and oodles of quiet suspense. A bit slower-paced (sometimes it feels too much so) but pretty compelling even if most plot twists are easy to grab.

Amenabar uses the darkness of the house to his advantage and there's a couple of really well-done "jump" moments and he's backed-up by the strong acting on hand. Recommended.

Directed By: Alejandro Amenabar.
Written By: Alejandro Amenabar.

Starring: Nicole Kidman, Fionnula Flanagan, Alakina Manin, James Bentley.