Set in Victorian England, Miss Giddens (Deborah Kerr) is a vibrant young woman; in order to earn a living as a governess she is forced by circumstance to suppress her thoughts and emotions. She arrives at a bleak country estate to take care of two wealthy orphans, Flora (Pamela Franklin) and Miles (Martin Stephens), in the guardianship of their charming Uncle (Michael Redgrave). Outwardly the children appear angelic little darlings, but the governess gradually begins to feel that there’s something more sinister to her charges.
When describing the apparitions she has been seeing and her fears for the children to the housekeeper (Meg Jenkins), she is told that the ethereal descriptions resemble those of the estate’s dead valet Peter Quint (Peter Wyngarde), and previous governess Miss Jessel (Clytie Jessop) – who were engaged in a sadomasochistic relationship together. When Miss Giddens allows herself to believe the malevolent spirits are beginning to possess the young children in her charge, it pushes her already fragile mind closer to the edge. Is it hysteria caused by repressed passions, or is it a true case of possession? Miss Giddens sets out to exorcise the malevolent spirits with tragic results. —Britmovie.co.uk
Stunning cinematography, and an unbelievably convincing performances by the two (creepy ass) orphans, and Deborah Kerr. The lake scene creeps the hell out of me, I almost faint due to uneasiness (not really). A bone chilling piece of art.
Gloriously shot with equally glorious performances. I was hooked from to the stunning opening credits to the chilling ending.
this is one of the creepiest films I've ever seen. the cinematography is flawless, beautiful. I can't even explain it. the fade in/outs are amazing. the dream sequence/hallucination is one of the best I've ever seen. the story builds up from the beginning, but ever so slowly, perfectly. I really love everything about this film. the children freak me out.
"It's hard for people our age to think about dying. Perhaps we should have got into the habit when we were young." A dissolve from the dial
Title: The Innocents
Year: 1961
Country: USA, UK
Language: English
Genre: Horror, Thriller
Director: Jack Clayton
Writers:
Henry James
John Mortimer
William Archibald… read review
