From the amazing talents of director Juan Antonio Bayona comes The Orphanage, a gripping Spanish horror movie which features some outstanding performances and a story to really draw you from start to finish.

Unlike Western horrors, where this movie succeeds is the way that it handles the horror genre that is not all about over the top gore or forced frights. Rather, Bayona successfully uses key elements in the plot to deliver these frights and all happen at unpredictable times.

The tale itself revolves around Laura who is played by the delightful Belén Rueda who purchases her childhood orphanage in order to restore it to its former glory and assist children with disabilities.

As the restoration commences and unbeknown to Laura, her son has found an imaginary friend which at first causes no concern, however as the story progresses, so does this chilling aspect of whether her son is normal, mad or if there are other forces at work.

As strange things begin to occur in the home, Laura calls together a group of experts to investigate, only to uncover the disturbing truth about the orphanage. A truly classic European horror tale that lovers of this genre should really investigate.