I have a question concerning the movie, The Others, starring Nicole Kidman. If you are interested in seeing this film in the future I would advise you not read my question, as it may spoil the ending for you.

Near the end of the movie, after Grace and her children learn that they are dead, Mrs. Mills says something to Grace concerning Lydia, the mute girl, that I was not able to figure out. She refers to Lydia as having a similar experience as that of Grace and since that time has not uttered a word.

I wonder if anyone has any thoughts about the role of Lydia in this film, the meaning of her mutism, and what Mrs. Mills was referring to when she compares Lydia to Grace.

Hiya! I'm a humungous fan of "The Others", watch it every time it's on telly. I may be way off base, but here's my take: Grace refused to acknowledge what she'd done to herself and her children and carried on as though they were still alive. Lydia, on the other hand, knew she was dead, and accepted it, but was not at all thrilled by it, judging her constantly pained and woeful facial expression. The shock and despair at having lost her life at such an early age may have traumatized Lydia to the point where she could no longer speak - a characteristic of what's known today as Post Traumatic Stress Disorder.

That's my take!
_The Sprite ;)

Lydia can talk but she was so upset by the fact she was dead she decided never to talk again