Imagine being trapped in your childhood home, haunted not just by a sinister presence, but by the ghosts of your own traumatic past. This is the chilling premise of Other, a film that tries to blend psychological thriller with creature feature—but does it succeed?
Other follows Alice, a former model played by Olga Kurylenko, as she returns to her childhood home after her mother’s death. What she finds is a house rigged with surveillance, tracking her every move, while a menacing force lurks in the shadows. The isolation is palpable—a universal fear that instantly hooks you: What would you do if you were alone, with no one to turn to? But here’s where it gets controversial: the film introduces a monstrous entity that mangles faces, a choice that feels at odds with its stronger psychological elements. While the gore effects are impressive and disturbingly effective, the creature itself feels like a misstep, pulling the story away from its more compelling exploration of trauma and maternal legacy.
Alice’s character is deeply layered. Her reluctance to have children isn’t just a desire for independence—it’s a fear of repeating the cycle of abuse her mother inflicted. These moments of psychological horror are where the film truly shines, delving into themes of trauma and inheritance. But is the monster a necessary addition, or does it distract from the film’s more nuanced storytelling?
Director David Moreau, known for his experimental approach (like last year’s one-take zombie film MadS), takes a more subtle route here. Kurylenko carries the film, often the only face we see clearly, while other characters are obscured by masks or abstract imagery. It’s a clever technique, but one that risks being overshadowed by the monster’s presence. And this is the part most people miss: the film’s pacing and narrative choices, like a random side character added for exposition, feel rushed and underdeveloped. It’s as if the filmmakers couldn’t decide whether to lean into psychological horror or full-blown creature feature.
Despite its flaws, Other has its moments. The secluded forest setting is beautifully shot, and Kurylenko’s performance is a standout, proving she’s more than just an action star. Yet, the film feels stretched, better suited as a short than a feature. The horror, outside of a few jump scares, lacks depth, leaving you wanting more from its promising premise.
So, here’s the question: Does Other work better as a psychological thriller or a creature feature? And does its attempt to blend the two ultimately dilute its impact? Let us know in the comments—we’d love to hear your take. Streaming on Shudder starting October 17th, 2025, Other is a film that will leave you thinking, even if it doesn’t fully deliver on its potential.
