Ever have a movie stick with you for days? I haven’t been as drawn into a ghost story, or jumped so many times by superbly crafted directing, in years. No wonder El Orfanato won so many awards. It may be the best ghost story since 1981’s Ghost Story with Fred Astaire–based on the book by Peter Straub.

El Orfanato‘s narrative reminded me of Turn of the Screw by Henry James and The Awakening by Kate Chopin. But in producer Guillermo del Toro’s moody style (it’s directed by Juan Antonio). I’m not going to give anything away, but I doubt this movie would be made in the US right now, which is a shame. The film dips into del Toro’s Devil’s Backbone type of creepiness.

I’m certainly no critic, and recommending any type of genre movie is a stretch (it’s all so subjective), but if you’re in the mood for a brilliant ghost story go rent El Orfanato. Just be prepared to jump once or twice.

Maybe even scream.