Rent The Other (1972)

Doesn't quite live up to it's reputation ... - The Other review by NP

Niles and Holland are twin brothers. They are actually played by twin brothers. This surprises me, because they are hardly ever in the same shot, so I just assumed one actor was doubling-up on both parts. The only reason I could come to why the two were visually separated in such a way is because one of them is dead, and only his twin could see him.

I like horror films that play against the conventions of the genre. This is set very much in wholesome Tom Sawyer country, amidst sprawling, open locations drenched in sunshine. So much so that it really doesn’t come across as much of a horror film at all. Although I try to avoid spoilers, I had read great things about ‘The Other’ and for the most part, I’m puzzled as to why it has been so well received. Even the ‘creepy’ Aunt Ada, who has taught Niles to ‘astrally project’, is a kindly and caring woman.

That’s not to say this is a bad film: it isn’t. The actors are excellent, especially young Chris and Martin Udvarnoky, who, unlike so many juvenile performers, are appealing and – even when misbehaving – don’t come across as brattish or irritating in the least. I can only assume Robert Mulligan took the decision to play against the horror aspect throughout, to heighten it only at the very end. As such – and this is no slight on anything – ‘The Other’ comes across like a supernatural, post-watershed episode of ‘The Waltons’

Enjoyable, Watchable, Spooky 1935-set Psychological Mystery Horror,/Ghost story with Twins.. - The Other review by PV

I enjoyed this though spotted the twist a mile off - maybe as I have seen similar before or maybe because I think like a writer.

Anyway, it is a genuinely spooky movie, set in 1935, all very Waltons in a way, but malevolent force lingers - or mental illness - you decide.. That is an old trope for these mysteries and horrors. Sort of a ghost story really, eerie.

Think TURN OF THE SCREW more than THE OMEN or a gory bloodsplatter horror - this is more psychological and better for it. A bit like early 70s film PIN in a way, esp the setting and protected childhood featured.

I thought it went on too long and lingered past its time, Maybe that is because it is loyal to the novel, probably - always a risk when the novelist adapts it into a screenplay. Always hard to kill your darlings and cut, slash and massacre, slice the flab off em all.

I liked the Russian grandma immigrant guff. The rat stuff made me think of Ben (sequel - or squeakuel - to WILLARD, being remade now I think, as is PIN).

Twins are often in horror/ghost stories and here they are played by twins (not one actor which I suspected at first) Chris and Martin Udvarnaky. They are BRILLIANT natural child actors and this is their only movie. Sadly Chris died age 49 from I think kidney failure; Marty survives and works in healthcare as did Chris in his career.

The director of this film directed the classic TO KILL A MOCKINGBIRD in 1962. That won 3 Oscars including the screenplay award but not for direction.

The writer of THE OTHER's screenplay is Tom Tryon, who adapted it from his own novel published the previous year. Tryon was an actor, married briefly, then had gay relationships incl with a porn star/model who died of HIV/AIDS age 43 in 1987; Tom Tryon's official cause of death age 65 in 1991 was not HIV/AIDS, but...

4 stars. A hidden gem.