When I heard about a horror film called The Orphanage, I was on board right away (DEAD ORPHANS ((ndash)) how can that not be a good horror!). When I heard that that was just the English title of a Spanish horror film called El Orfanato, produced by Guillermo Del Toro (Pan's Labyrinth), I couldn't wait to see it. You see, this is a man who knows his dead orphans. Back in 2001, Del Toro wrote and directed the excellent The Devil's Backbone, also set in an orphanage.

This certainly isn't schlock-horror, though. The tension is built in expert fashion (the "knock on the wall" scene is a standout), and often isn't resolved as you're expecting. There's a very minimal amount of gore, and overall the film relies more on subtle menace than sudden shock (a few choice moments notwithstanding!). In atmosphere and style it has a lot in common with The Others, although the acting by the leads feels more understated here.

The Orphanage also has a strong story that'll keep you interested (and probably discussing the finer details later on ((ndash)) who DID slam her fingers in the door??). We join Laura, her husband and her son Simon at their new home ((ndash)) an old orphanage where they're planning to start a home for disabled children. There's only about enough time for a walk to the local disused lighthouse and back before Simon begins to acquire spooky new invisible friends, and thus begins our chilling tale. My advice is to pay attention to all the little details ((ndash)) you'll be rewarded when it all comes together at the end.