As we sit in self-isolation due to a global pandemic, Sentient Entertainment has made a power move by snagging the remake rights to the rather timely Nicole Kidman horror movie THE OTHERS.
Released in 2001, the horror hit was helmed by Alejandro Amenabar and told the self-isolation tale of a war widow who hides her children away in an isolated mansion due to a rare disease characterized by photosensitivity. The arrival of three mysterious servants unlocks the secrets of the house and reveal all is not what it seems. THE OTHERS was a huge hit in 2001, grossing $96 million at the domestic box office and $209.9 million worldwide. The film also wowed critics, registering an 83% on Rotten Tomatoes and Kidman earned Golden Globe and BAFTA nominations for her role.
Sentient Entertainment secured the deal with FilmSharks subsidiary The Remake Company and Atletico Madrid president Enrique Cerezo’s Video Mercury. Cerezo originally acquired the film rights when he purchased Sogecine, formerly owned by Canal Plus. The plan is to reinvent and modernize the story with "Deadline" reporting that the project has already peaked the interest of of A-list talent and numerous studio backers. The film will be produced by Sentient’s Renee Tab and Christopher Tuffin with Tab saying this about grabbing the project:
"I am honored to be able to work on my favorite horror film of all time, The Others, and to bring this reimagining to the big screen for new audiences. It is almost eerie and uncanny how timely the themes are today: self-isolation, paranoia and fear, and of course the intense desire to protect our children and ourselves from harm. We look forward to unraveling the layers behind lead character Grace, whose pain and demons draw viewers into a truly compassionate journey."
THE OTHERS is one of those horror films that has earned a lot of respect but I feel like not enough people talk about it. It's a slow burn supernatural thriller that is definitely one of the best of its kind. I'm not sure it NEEDS to be remade but the film's development does come at a time when pretty much all of us are dealing with our own feelings of self-isolation so maybe it is time to revisit this concept.
Do YOU think THE OTHERS should be remade?