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Now living in the orphanage she grew up in, Laura (Belen Rueda) works to raise seven-year-old Simon, who doesn't know that he's been adopted or that he's dying. Things get a bit creepier when Simon—who previously only had imaginary friends—says he's bonded with a boy who died while Laura was a young girl.

Big question: Is "The Orphanage" a more rewarding "adult fairy tale" than last year's massively overrated "Pan's Labyrinth," even though "The Orphanage" was produced by "Pan's" director Guillermo del Toro?

Catch it: The masterful and haunting work that "Pan's" wasn't, "The Orphanage" layers a complex story about loss of innocence and parental love onto a supernatural thriller that'll have all the hairs on your neck standing up to salute. You'll breathlessly anticipate every clue on Laura and Simon's scavenger hunt, as this skeptical mother gradually accepts that something spooky might be going on.

Skip it: If you think the yellow pages can be used for everything, since Laura's advised that she won't find listings for an exorcist in there. Seems more like a job for Google anyway.

Bottom line: No use wearing pants because "The Orphanage" will scare you right out of them. Plus, it will remind you that tragic memories and a mother's fear are also things that go bump in the night—and don't necessarily go away in the morning.

Bonus: Just a thought: If your "social worker" hides in your shed and comes at you with a blade, he or she may be the one who needs help!

mpais@tribune.com

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