The Other (1972)

86% of critics liked it
(7 reviews)
69% of users liked it
(1,109 ratings)

This crime thriller with occult overtones puts a spine-tingling twist on the Jungian psychological notion of "the shadow." In the '30s, Holland and Niles Perry are 10-year-old twins growing up on an idyllic farm in the Connecticut countryside. Niles is a wholesome, outgoing lad, loved by the whole… More This crime thriller with occult overtones puts a spine-tingling twist on the Jungian psychological notion of "the shadow." In the '30s, Holland and Niles Perry are 10-year-old twins growing up on an idyllic farm in the Connecticut countryside. Niles is a wholesome, outgoing lad, loved by the whole family. Holland's brooding mischief causes untold trouble. Eventually, the Perry family experiences a series of tragic accidents which may not be accidents. Unraveling the circumstances of these tragedies is a fascinating and subtle business. This film was adapted by Tom Tryon from his novel The Other and includes a film debut by the famous acting teacher Uta Hagen, as the twins' grandmother. ~ Clarke Fountain, Rovi

Rating, Runtime: PG, 1 hr. 48 min.
Directed By: Robert Mulligan
Written By: Tom Tryon
Genres: Drama, Horror, Mystery & Suspense, Classics

In Theaters: May 23, 1972 Wide
On DVD: Sep 5, 2006

Critic Reviews

Dennis Schwartz, Ozus' World Movie Reviews
The diabolical story has its eerie moments, but skirts close to becoming too ridiculous to fathom.
John A. Nesbit, Old School Reviews
The Other is a competent flick that will prove to be a lot freakier for film fans with active imaginations.

Critic ratings and reviews powered by RottenTomatoes.com

Fresh (60% or more critics rated the movie positively)

Rotten (59% or fewer critics rated the movie positively)

Featured Audience Ratings

Stella D

a creepy gothic tale set in farm country of the 1930s, the film was the 'to kill a mockingbird' director's only foray into horror, putting an unsettling twist on the time worn theme of evil twins. with highly effective atmosphere and good acting, as well as an… More
a creepy gothic tale set in farm country of the 1930s, the film was the 'to kill a mockingbird' director's only foray into horror, putting an unsettling twist on the time worn theme of evil twins. with highly effective atmosphere and good acting, as well as an authentic set of identical twins, the story referenced a famous crime of the period (the lindbergh kidnapping) to good effect as well
Jeff "

The Other is an intense Horror film, it generates real scares and makes you feel uneasy, considering That The Exorcist came out a year later, this film is almost a stepping stone of all the great horror films that was to come in the 70's. A terrific cast, and a terrific script… More
The Other is an intense Horror film, it generates real scares and makes you feel uneasy, considering That The Exorcist came out a year later, this film is almost a stepping stone of all the great horror films that was to come in the 70's. A terrific cast, and a terrific script combine to create a memorably chilling film that is truly unnerving. Based on the book of the same name, The Other is one good horror film, and I personally think it's overlooked and it's not talked about much in Horror cycles, I only heard of it by buying it during Walmart's annual Halloween movie sale, I read the back, and it intrigued me. When I saw it, I was in awe and how creepy and original this really was. Purely Brilliant. Director Robert Mulligan has crafted a memorable horror film that unfortunately is overlooked. The acting, and pacing of the film is great, and Mulligan takes his time with the plot to let the horror unfold on screen. The Other is a well crafted horror yarn that should definitely be seen by horror fans. A film tat will definitely scare you, The Other is horror at it's terrifying best.
AJ V

A good creepy horror movie that keeps you guessing till the end. I really enjoyed it.
John H

I never exactly fancied this movie, but it was a striking turn for the genre of horror. Nothing high budgeted or elaborate make-up and special effects. Nothing like that. It was just the camera and the actors going at it. I was drawn away from the story and couldn't follow a damn… More
I never exactly fancied this movie, but it was a striking turn for the genre of horror. Nothing high budgeted or elaborate make-up and special effects. Nothing like that. It was just the camera and the actors going at it. I was drawn away from the story and couldn't follow a damn on what was going on. Just looked like random splicing. But the key to what made this quite a unique thriller was the significance of the twin boys. I was amazed to find out it wasn't a one actor deal. Twins came on in to shoot up a movie where neither would be in the exact same time of a shot. When the camera would slide from one end to another there would be a child on each side with a heavy gap separating them. This caused individual captures. I can't recall a moment where both we next to one another. If I hadn't made it clear enough, the general beauty of this film is just that. Showing one person at a time to resemble two. The plot twist made the story more clear and was expected to end how it did. The poster itself ruins the mystery behind <i>The Other</i>. It's vague, but not too hard too uncover. I recommend this to patient viewers who don't look for anything outlandish for a film to appeal to them. It's gets the job done without any messy work in the mix.
Pierluigi P

An eerie, unpretentious and well told psychological drama, now a cult film. the ending scared the shit out of me when I was a child.