The Orphanage (2007)

Floyd calls it an extraordinary and frightening ghost story. He singles out Belén Rueda’s performance as its beating heart and tortured soul.

Richards praises the film as a beautifully told, chilling ghost story. He singles out Belén Rueda’s emotionally intense performance and the night-vision sequence, while noting that the ending leaves some questions unanswered.

Chocano finds the film an unexpectedly poignant and effective ghost story. She praises Bayona’s ability to build dread from ordinary situations rather than conventional gore.

The review finds the film skillful and emotionally substantial beyond its shocks. It singles out the nerve-stretching séance and the film’s exploration of childhood anxiety and maternal love.

The critic praises the film as a refreshing, emotionally involving horror classic that favors creeping suspense over schlock. They single out Bayona’s restrained direction and Belén Rueda’s nuanced performance.

Mackie finds the film classy, chilling and more suspenseful than outright horrifying. He particularly praises its fetid atmosphere and Belén Rueda’s sensitive, convincing performance.

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The critic calls it an exceptionally effective and surprisingly moving ghost story. They praise how it seasons its horror with a pervasive sense of grief.

The critic finds the film promising at the beginning and end, but says its dragging middle keeps it from delivering on that promise. They single out Belén Rueda’s performance as a major strength that helps hold the film together.

Gonzalez pans the film as a shallow, derivative horror pastiche lacking emotional and spiritual depth. He particularly criticizes its use of children with Down syndrome as a cheap way to provoke tension.

Mitsuda finds the film conventional and ultimately forgettable, despite Bayona’s steady direction. She praises the beguiling subtlety of its opening prelude, which the rest of the film abandons.

The critic finds the film assuredly told, brilliantly acted and effectively tense, despite a slight letdown in its ending. She praises Belén Rueda’s commanding performance and the film’s ability to create shocks without relying on cheap effects.