Unable to conceive, a couple seeks to build a family with a young orphan, a survivor of a tragic childhood. But their act of love turns to horror when they realize the violence in their foster’s past has returned to destroy the new family.
As someone who’s an avid horror fan, I’m always looking for something that genuinely creeps under the skin, and “The Other” manages to do that. While it’s far from perfect, it delivers a disturbing and unpredictable experience. There’s plenty here for horror fans to sink their teeth into, even if it doesn’t always hit the mark.
After struggling with infertility, Robin (Olivia Macklin) and Daniel (Dylan McTee) adopt Kathelia (Avangeline Friedlander), a mute and unnerving child with a traumatic history. The decision, which initially seems like a hopeful attempt to rebuild their lives, quickly becomes a catalyst for something far darker. As Kathelia begins to exhibit increasingly disturbing behavior, it becomes clear that the couple may have invited something far more sinister into their home.
What stands out early on is how ill-prepared Robin and Daniel are for parenthood, both emotionally and physically. Their dynamic is strained from the beginning, and the script does little to flesh out a believable foundation for their decision to adopt, especially someone as clearly troubled as Kathelia. Their reactions to the escalating horror often feel unnatural, even disengaged at times, making their characters feel more like archetypes than fully formed people. This lack of realism in their roles diminishes some of the emotional stakes early on and may leave viewers questioning the logic behind their choices. It’s a deliberate setup—highlighting their fragility—but it also undercuts the film’s believability.
That said, “The Other” succeeds in crafting a deeply creepy and often outright disturbing atmosphere—and I mean that as a compliment. The film leans into disturbing imagery, oppressive tension, and a relentless escalation of events that rarely gives the audience a moment to breathe. From the moment Kathelia enters the home, a sense of unease sets in and never really lifts. The pacing is fast, sometimes overly so, as it rushes through character development in favour of keeping the horror moving. While this quick tempo sacrifices some emotional complexity, it also contributes to a claustrophobic, no-escape feeling that some horror fans will likely appreciate.
The film is packed with shocking and grotesque moments—plenty of “WTF” scenes that are both surprising and well-executed. Just when you think you’ve settled into the rhythm of the story, “The Other” throws an unexpected twist in the final act, adding a level of unpredictability that strengthens the film’s overall impact.
A turning point arrives with the appearance of Fiona (Lily D. Moore) and her mother Lizzie (Shawnee Smith), who inject much-needed energy and depth into the narrative. Their presence marks the moment where the film shifts gears from psychological suspense to full-blown supernatural horror. Fiona, in particular, adds a sense of entertainment and curiosity that’s missing from Robin and Daniel’s flat emotional range, and Shawnee Smith brings a grounded authority to the story that makes the more outlandish elements feel just plausible enough.
Visually, the film is both stylish and grim, featuring shadowy cinematography and careful framing that effectively amplify the tension. The production design supports the narrative well, suburban normalcy slowly morphing into a haunted house of psychological terror. The sound design is also worth noting: subtle, layered, and used to unsettling effect in key moments without resorting to cheap jump scares.
“The Other” is not a perfect film, but it’s an effective one. It struggles with some of its character development—particularly in establishing a realistic foundation for its central couple—and its fast pace leaves little room for deeper exploration. However, the film more than makes up for these shortcomings with a steady stream of disturbing imagery, sustained tension, and a third act that is as horrifying as it is surprising. It’s creepy, chaotic, and often gross—but in a way that works for the genre.
Ultimately, “The Other” is a twisted and atmospheric horror film that leans hard into its strengths. It’s designed to keep you on edge, and it succeeds. With a few more grounded performances and a touch more character depth, it could have been genuinely great. As it stands, it’s a flawed yet memorable experience that will appeal to horror fans seeking something unsettling, fast-paced, and packed with genuinely freaky moments.
Available on Digital Friday, June 13th
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