Les Innocents

The build-up is slow, but the atmosphere gradually thickens and by the end I was feeling a strong chill on my back and there were three moments that made me physically shiver, without any jump-scares, without any specific monster, just thanks to the music, the cinematography and the great and unsettling performances. I’m not a big fan of ghost stories, but this one got under my skin, and the ambiguity of the story is very welcome. 9/10 (16/11/2010)

The film is very strong in the details and the particulars, but not so convincing on the whole. There are some really excellent, creepy scenes that send chills down your spine, but I get the feeling that what the whole film is leading up to isn't as emotionally crushing as the previous course might have made it out to be. The ending arrives and, well, that’s it? Otherwise, it’s alright. The plus side is clearly Deborah Kerr's neurotic performance, I ate up that bundle of nerves; the two children are also good, and note how their faces are subtly backlit in close-up to make them seem distinctly sinister. Freddie Francis, later the famous Hammer director, did a great job here, along with the shadow play in the darkened rooms. I give it a strong 4* for the occasional shivers (a game of hide and seek!) and the disturbing atmosphere. (13/10/2018)

♫ We lay, my love and I / Beneath the weeping willow / But now alone I lie / And weep beside the tree / Singing "O Willow Waly" / By the tree that weeps with me / Singing "O Willow Waly" / Till my lover returns to me / We lay, my love and I / Beneath the weeping willow / But now alone I lie / O willow I die / O willow I die... ♫ (28/12/2008)

The ghost horror genre is among my favorite subgenres, mainly because creators can't rely solely on explicit violence and gallons of various-colored liquids (unless they want to showcase their incompetence). Instead, they must exhibit truly creative storytelling, atmosphere, and tension in order to craft something worthwhile. Well, in my opinion, the Brits nailed it with this film, even if it wasn't your typical ghost story. They definitely didn't take any shortcuts — he pace was deliberately slow, and the tension didn't exactly escalate at the start. But you know what? I didn't mind one bit. I've confessed many times that English countryside estates hold a special allure for me, especially when set in the Victorian era, so that's already a point in their favor. I enjoyed the leisurely pace and the atmospheric vibe, but as much as I respect women and their roles, those screams felt like a dentist's drill to me. / Lesson learned: Unless you're absolutely sure, it's best to hold off on bigger actions. (21/01/2024)