The Other

The Other is a 1972 psychological horror film directed by Robert Mulligan and based on the 1971 novel of the same name by Thomas Tryon. The film stars Uta Hagen and William Windom as a couple who adopt a young orphan, Niles (Brooke Reynolds' character's foster son), with the intention of building a loving family, but their act of generosity and love ultimately turns to horror. Hilliard Fairfax (William Windom), a successful businessman, and his wife, Alicja (Uta Hagen), are a childless couple who have grown tired of their isolated life. Longing for the companionship and love that comes with raising a child, they decide to adopt an orphan child. Niles Perry (Brooke Reynolds) is an eight-year-old boy they choose to be a part of their family as a foster child. Initially, Hilliard and Alicja are overjoyed with their new addition, seeing him as the long-awaited addition to their family. Alicja begins to take on a nurturing role, showering Niles with love, care, and comfort. Hilliard, on the other hand, struggles to connect with the boy, often finding Niles aloof and distant. As time passes, the family's dynamics shift with Niles gradually adapting to his new surroundings. However, Niles harbors a dark secret that sets off a chain reaction of terror and violence within the household. Unbeknownst to Hilliard and Alicja, Niles has survived a series of brutal and gruesome events in his traumatic past. The trauma causes the young boy to reenact the violence that unfolded before him. As the events worsen, the Fairfax family becomes increasingly entrenched in a cycle of bloodshed and destruction. Hilliard's and Alicja's love and efforts to provide a safe, loving environment eventually prove futile as their new home is turned into a battleground where they must fight not only for their lives but also to save Niles. Their once peaceful existence is now marred by nightmares, terror, and blood. The family becomes increasingly isolated and disintegrates as panic sets in. When Alicja discovers the truth about Niles' past, and the horrific events he suffered and witnessed, she becomes disillusioned with their decision to adopt him. Alicja feels a deep sense of guilt and shame over bringing such a troubled individual into their home, fearing they have inadvertently unleashed evil. The tension escalates as the events of Niles' troubled past are reenacted within the confines of the Fairfax household. Alicja starts questioning her initial decision to adopt Niles and the very notion of opening their home to a stranger. Tensions escalate further, and their once-peaceful home turns into a nightmare. Alicja's perception of the family unit begins to shatter as she grapples with her role in the unfolding tragedy. In a climactic confrontation, Alicja attempts to reason with the deranged Niles while struggling with her own sanity and the realization of what they have inadvertently created. The film culminates with a tragic confrontation as Alicja confronts Niles in a desperate bid to save herself, Hilliard, and their new family from further destruction. In a shocking twist, Alicja succumbs to the horror that has consumed Niles, suggesting that she has become just another victim in his twisted reenactment of the violent episodes from her traumatic past.