Nicole Kidman is one of the most fearless performers of her generation. I used to reject “fearless,” not quite sure what it meant at best, pretty convinced it was misogynistic at worst (see how regularly fearless is applied to older women). In Kidman’s case, fearless is a positive, because few performers take quite as many risks. Babygirl (not horror, I know) is one of last year’s best. Earlier in her career, Kidman starred in the likes of To Die For, Eyes Wide Shut, and Dogville (after an Oscar win). Baller run.
In recent years, Kidman’s penchant for strange roles hasn’t always been great—she all but epitomizes the yuppie white woman murder mystery subgenre—but she still manages to surprise pretty regularly. She’s incredible in Yorgos Lanthimos’ The Killing of a Sacred Deer, and carries Karyn Kusama’s Destroyer. Oh, and 2004’s Birth? A masterpiece. Still, one of Kidman’s most recognizable roles is assuredly horror—Alejandro Amenábar’s 2001 ghost story The Others. Recently asked which role of hers she’d like to revisit, guess what Kidman answered?
Per Shudder: While awaiting her husband’s return from war, Grace and her two young children live an unusually isolated existence behind the locked doors and drawn curtains of a secluded island mansion. Then, after three mysterious servants arrive and it becomes chillingly clear that there is far more to this house than can be seen, Grace finds herself in a terrifying fight to save her children and keep her sanity!
The Others is essential. Every ghost story you see today is inextricably linked to Amenábar’s classic. Luckily, the film is streaming free on Shudder, and it recently received a Criterion release. It’s a blessing since, for a bout, The Others was wholly unavailable digitally, even to rent. Asked by Tim Lewis of The Guardian which character she’d most like to revisit, Kidman responded, “Actually the character I would love to go back to is the character in The Others, Grace. Because I feel like The Others gets overlooked and I loved that character.”
Will we be seeing The Others 2? Maybe The Other Others? The Others: The Other One? Probably not, and probably for good reason. If you’ve seen the film, I’m not really sure where you go with a follow-up. Still, 24 years later, it’s a testament to Kidman’s earnestness as a performer that she still connects with the character of Grace. Seriously, rewatch The Others and you’ll better appreciate the sheer depth of Kidman’s performance there.
What do you think of The Others? Would you be keen for a sequel? Which of Kidman’s performances is your favorite? Let me know what you think over on Twitter @Chadiscollins.
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