One of the best ghost stories ever put on film. People who are disparaging this version of the MR James story because it "is not a close enough adaptation" should A) come to a better understanding of the concept of adaptation, and B) judge the film on its own merits. For the sake of comparison, Blade Runner is an extraordinarily loose adaptation of the original novel, and yet both novel and film stand on their own merits as excellent works. The same holds true here.
The James story has been adapted again and again. What makes this version especially strong is its singular interpretation of the psychological dimensions present in the original story; a stunning emotional resonance pertaining to loss, grief, existential despair, and the externalization of these emotions in the form of a haunting, which is a prototypical Gothic convention - if you like the Kyoshi Kurosawa ghost films Retribution and Seance chances are you will like this film); as well as the creepy, and at moments, terrifying use of sound and camera work. All this, combined with John hurt's superb acting.
This is a great film. Those giving it low review is just don't get it.
