Review of 2005's Psychological Horror, Hide and Seek

David Callaway (Robert DeNiro) is a doctor of psychology with a wife (Amy Irving), whom he has a rocky relationship with due to his work, and a young daughter, Emily (Dakota Fanning), who loved her mother more than her father. Then one night, David finds his wife's body, dead in a tub colored red with blood from her slit wrists, and Emily witnesses it too.

Against the psychology advice of one of David's past students and friend/confidante, Katherine (Famke Janssen), David moves himself and Emily to a rural and pretty isolated area. Emily soon creates an imaginary friend named Charlie but this takes an unexpected turn, and David and Katherine worry about her new habits. David also starts dating a new woman and this upsets Emily.

I absolutely loved this movie. It will definitely be one of the best horror films of the year. There are a few twists that I guessed but it's done in a believable manner. Face it, there's few things left which we haven't already seen - now it's in how it's done.

The story was very good and easy to follow. This movie stands out because the believable acting is superb. I loved the acting! I felt for every character. I was sorry for David because he wanted to help his daughter so much but she just wouldn't accept him. De Niro was at his best here. Emily seemed very confused and afraid after her mother died but she coped by rebelling against her father's wishes and creating an imaginary friend. Dakota Fanning is perfect as Emily! I really felt bad for her character and Dakota's talent shined through beautifully. If she continues like this, her career will soar!

The atmosphere was enhanced by the rural setting as opposed to the city. The house was creepy with hard wood floors and creaking door hinges.

Very few SFX were employed except for the bloody scenes.

Some didn't like this film because it doesn't have everything handed to them. It's a bit of a thinker that spawns a good amount of discussion. This is a good thing!