The Other

Main Plot

"The Other," directed by Robert Mulligan, is a psychological horror film set in 1935 rural Connecticut. The story revolves around twin brothers, Niles and Holland Perry, who live on their family farm with their grandmother, Ada. Ada has taught Niles a game that involves using his imagination to experience life from another's perspective. As the summer unfolds, a series of tragic and mysterious events begin to plague the Perry family and their neighbors. Niles, who is more sensitive and introspective, starts to uncover unsettling truths about his brother Holland and the nature of their bond. The film delves into themes of innocence, guilt, and the dark recesses of the human mind, building a haunting atmosphere that keeps the audience questioning the reality of the events unfolding. Through its eerie narrative and psychological depth, "The Other" explores the thin line between reality and imagination, ultimately leading to a chilling and thought-provoking conclusion.

Characters

• Uta Hagen played Ada, a wise and protective grandmother, guiding her twin grandsons through eerie and tragic events in their rural community.
• Diana Muldaur plays Alexandra, the mother of twin boys, whose tragic past and psychological unraveling drive the suspense and horror in the story.
• Chris Udvarnoky plays Niles Perry, a young boy who uncovers dark family secrets, leading to tragic events in a rural 1930s setting.

Ending Explained

In the 1972 film 'The Other,' directed by Robert Mulligan, the story culminates in a chilling revelation about the central characters, twin brothers Niles and Holland Perry. Throughout the film, Niles is portrayed as the more sensitive and gentle twin, while Holland is depicted as mischievous and malevolent. The narrative unfolds in a rural 1930s setting, where a series of tragic and mysterious events plague the Perry family and their community. The climax reveals that Holland has been dead for some time, and Niles, unable to cope with his brother's death, has been embodying Holland's persona through a psychological phenomenon known as 'The Game,' taught to him by his grandmother Ada. This dissociative behavior leads Niles to commit several heinous acts, believing he is acting under Holland's influence. The film concludes with Ada discovering the extent of Niles' delusion and, in a desperate attempt to prevent further tragedy, she decides to end his life by setting fire to the barn where he is hiding. The final scenes underscore the devastating impact of loss and the fragile boundary between reality and illusion.