“We lay my love and I, beneath the weeping willow. But now alone I lie and weep beside the tree. Singing "Oh willow waly" by the tree that weeps with me. Singing "Oh willow waly" till my lover return to me. We lay my love and I beneath the weeping willow. A broken heart have I. Oh willow I die, oh willow I die…”

‘The Innocents’ is pure terror. The best horror movie experience I had in awhile, especially watching this in the dark which scared me stiff. When your imagination plays a massive part in filling in the blanks. The movie isn’t just loud noises for cheap thrills, but tackles the feeling of paranoia and the unexplained through atmosphere - filmed in a moody and yet beautiful black and white.

Everything from the opening scene which was a black screen with a child singing a song. Keep in my mind I was watching this in the dark, so when the screen went dark and the song started, I was creeped out. Perfectly sets up the mood for the movie.

Terrific performances from Deborah Kerr and the two children, Martin Stephens and Pamela Franklin. The cinematography is so crisp in detail while exhibiting shadows and natural light that naturally creates the gothic tone. I wouldn’t even call this a ghost movie, just a movie about the effects of sexual abuse, or a metaphorical look on sexual repression. Considering this came out in the early 60’s, I’m surprised this was tackled, intentional or not.

I won’t say anymore. Go and check it out.

Overall rating: 60’s gothic horror at its best.

Happy Halloween everyone!