Ones Below, The

Thriller

A couple expecting their first child discover an an unnerving difference between themselves and the couple living in the flat below them who are also having a baby.

The critical consensus

While The Ones Below may be an attempt to explore the darker side of parenthood, it lacks the subtlety or insight of films like The Babadook and A Second Chance. Instead it uses its multidimensional themes as nothing more than an excuse for superficial scares.

(*) (*) (*) Nikki Baughan, The List, 07/03/2016

Two neighbouring couples, both expecting a baby, go to war in this stylish psychological thriller.

(*) Peter Bradshaw, The Guardian, 10/03/2016

The behaviour of the characters stretches credibility. The performances, though, are striking, especially that of Poésy as the young mum assailed by feelings of guilt, doubt, suspicion and hostility as her grasp on reality begins to loosen.

(*) (*) Geoffrey MacNab, The Independent, 10/03/2016

A taut, expertly executed chiller.

(*) Allan Hunter, Daily Express, 11/03/2016

David Farr’s tale of a young couple and their peculiar neighbours downstairs oozes anxiety and paranoia.

(*) (*) Mark Kermode, The Observer, 13/03/2016