The film opens with Grace Stewart (played by Nicole Kidman) and her two young children, Anne (played by Alakina Mann) and Nicholas (played by James Bentley), residing in a sprawling, isolated mansion on the island of Jersey in the aftermath of World War II. The children suffer from a rare photosensitivity condition that requires the entire house to be kept in darkness.
Grace is devoutly religious and struggles to cope with the absence of her husband, Charles, who is away fighting in the war. She hires three new servants: Mrs. Bertha Mills (played by Fionnula Flanagan), a stern housekeeper, Mr. Tuttle (played by Eric Sykes), the gardener, and Lydia (played by Elaine Cassidy), a mute young woman.
Strange occurrences begin to unfold in the house, including doors opening and closing on their own, mysterious footsteps echoing through the corridors, and the sound of children’s laughter. Grace becomes increasingly convinced that the house is haunted, while her children claim to have seen and communicated with “the others,” ghostly entities they believe inhabit the mansion.
As Grace struggles to maintain her sanity and protect her children from the perceived threats lurking within the house, she becomes increasingly isolated and paranoid. She becomes convinced that her husband’s return from the war is imminent and prepares for his arrival, despite the skepticism of Mrs. Mills and Mr. Tuttle.
In a series of chilling revelations, Grace uncovers the truth about the mysterious occurrences in the house and the dark secrets that have been hidden within its walls. She learns that she and her children are the actual ghosts haunting the mansion and that the “intruders” they have been encountering are the living occupants of the house, including the new servants and a group of tenants who have rented the property.
Grace realizes that she and her children died from an overdose of sleeping pills as a result of a tragic misunderstanding. They have been haunting the mansion ever since, unaware of their own deaths and the passage of time. The “others” they have been encountering are living people who have unwittingly entered their domain.
In a haunting and poignant conclusion, Grace comes to terms with her own mortality and the reality of her situation. She accepts her fate and embraces the truth, allowing herself and her children to finally find peace and move on from the confines of the mansion.
“The Others” is a chilling and atmospheric horror film that relies on suspense, tension, and psychological drama to create a sense of unease. Through its masterful storytelling, atmospheric cinematography, and standout performances, particularly from Nicole Kidman, the movie offers a haunting exploration of grief, loss, and the mysteries of the afterlife.