The House of the Spirits

“The House of the Spirits” is exceptional, not simply because of Allende’s eloquent and timeless storytelling, but because of the actors who have brought these characters to life in the way they should have always been rendered.

The House Of The Spirits is a well-acted, beautifully-shot adaptation of Allende’s classic novel that takes its time to luxuriate in the lives of Clara and Esteban but keeps things moving as the story progresses through over 50 years.

It’s not a perfect adaptation by any stretch, but this “The House of the Spirits” is a remarkably tenacious and ambitious attempt.

The House of the Spirits thrives because it respects its source material and, more importantly, understands its main thematic concerns. It's not a seamless transition from page to screen, but considering the somewhat unyielding nature of Allende's masterwork, the show is as great an adaptation as we'll probably get.

Terrible things befall the women in this story; their consolation is that they told you they would, and they lived to tell the tale. It’s not enough.