I recently rewatched a couple of films from one of my favourite directors: Alejandro Amenabar. I thought they both held up well.
The Others (2001)
I love Alejandro Amenabar's films. I haven't seen Regression yet, but all his other films have been brilliant. The Others is no exception.
Initially a very puzzling ghost story, the compelling characters keep me interested as the mystery gradually unfolds.
The haunting doesn't quite work like a typical ghost story because of Amenabar's unique take on the genre. The photosensitive children mean that much of the film is set in the dark, but also that light is a source of fear. There are some pretty creepy moments in broad daylight.
Don't worry if you've had the twist spoilt. I had it spoiled for me by some students on a bus. The film is constructed well enough with sufficiently colourful characters that being a bit ahead of the game doesn't matter. In fact, like with Fight Club, there's an added dimension to the film once the secrets are revealed.
A+
Tesis (Thesis) (1996)
After rewatching The Others, it seemed time to watch Tesis again too. The story of a student who is drawn to examine the elements which we are not allowed to see. She is attracted to danger and she is horrified by it too; which is not so different from the fascination of a horror fan, except that the horror and violence is real.
A few scenes show our protagonist only listening to the snuff tape she finds in her possession, yet by holding back from showing us the material the film is able to play on our imagination to elevate the horror.
Interestingly there are some similar lines of dialogue in both Tesis and The Others. "My name is Chema and I'm walking."
Does Eduardo Noriega ever play anyone nice?
A+