The Orphanage is a Spanish horror film directed by J.A. Bayona. The story follows Laura, a woman who returns to the orphanage where she grew up with the intention of turning it into a home for disabled children. However, her young son begins to communicate with an imaginary friend and strange events begin to occur, leading Laura on a terrifying journey to uncover the truth about the orphanage’s dark past.
Review:
The Orphanage received critical acclaim upon its release, with critics praising its suspenseful atmosphere, emotional depth, and strong performances. The film has been noted for its effective use of tension and its ability to blend horror with drama in a way that is both unsettling and emotionally engaging. The film has been compared to classics such as The Others and The Sixth Sense for its intricate plot and haunting imagery.
Awards:
The Orphanage was nominated for 14 Goya Awards, the Spanish equivalent of the Academy Awards, winning 7 including Best New Director for J.A. Bayona, Best Original Screenplay for Sergio G. Sánchez, Best Editing, and Best Sound. The film also won several awards at international film festivals, including the Audience Award at the Sitges Film Festival and the Best International Film Award at the Fantasporto Festival.
Popularity:
The Orphanage has become a beloved horror classic among audiences and critics alike. It currently holds a 7.4/10 rating on IMDb and a 87% approval rating on Rotten Tomatoes, with critics praising the film’s strong direction, atmospheric visuals, and emotional resonance. The film has gained a dedicated following among horror fans who appreciate its ability to blend scares with heart, and it is often cited as one of the best horror films of the 2000s.
| Directed by | J. A. Bayona |
|---|---|
| Produced by | Mar Targarona Joaquín Padro Álvaro Agustín |
| Screenplay by | Sergio G. Sánchez |
| Starring | Belén Rueda, Fernando Cayo, Roger Príncep, Mabel Rivera, Montserrat Carulla, Andrés Gertrúdix, Edgar Vivar, Geraldine Chaplin, |
| Music by | Fernando Velázquez |
| Cinematography | Óscar Faura |
| Edited by | Elena Ruiz |
| Production companies |
Rodar y Rodar Cine y Televisión Producciones Cinematográficas Telecinco S.A.U. |
| Distributed by | Warner Bros. Pictures Spain |
| Release date | 20 May 2007 (Cannes) 10 September 2007 (Spain) |
| Running time | 97 minutes |
| Country | Spain |
| Language | Spanish |
| Budget | $4 million |
| Box office | $78.6 million |
