“Come out, come out, whatever you are.”

Upon its release in 2005, Hide and Seek, directed by John Polson, seemed like another middling psychological thriller, leaning heavily on well-worn horror tropes. I initially rated it two stars, dismissing it as a predictable entry in the genre. Revisiting it two decades later, however, I find myself reevaluating its merits. While it doesn’t escape its formulaic framework, Hide and Seek is bolstered by the commanding performances of its two leads: Robert De Niro and a young Dakota Fanning.

The story follows David Callaway (De Niro), a psychologist grappling with the aftermath of his wife’s suicide, as he tries to provide a sense of normalcy for his traumatised nine-year-old daughter, Emily (Fanning). The introduction of Emily’s imaginary friend ‘Charlie’ starts innocuously enough but quickly takes a dark turn, leading to a series of disturbing events that unsettle their rural sanctuary.

One of the film’s greatest strengths is its central performances. De Niro portrays David with a weary fragility, capturing a father unraveling under the weight of grief and fear. Meanwhile, Fanning, in one of her early standout roles, delivers a haunting and layered performance that veers between innocence and unsettling maturity. Her portrayal of Emily feels authentic, keeping the audience guessing about the true nature of ‘Charlie.’

That said, Hide and Seek is not without its flaws. Its reliance on tired horror conventions, including jump scares and an overused twist-ending formula, holds it back from being truly memorable. The third act, in particular, struggles under the weight of its own ambition, as the film strains to deliver a shocking conclusion that ultimately feels too contrived.

Still, with the passage of time, the film’s strengths shine brighter. Its eerie atmosphere, punctuated by a chilling score and unsettling visuals, creates an effective mood that lingers. While the story may not break new ground, the commitment of its leads elevates it above the mediocrity I initially ascribed to it.

On this 20th anniversary, Hide and Seek deserves a second look—not as a groundbreaking psychological thriller, but as a solidly entertaining one. It’s a film that may fall victim to genre clichés, but thanks to De Niro and Fanning, it still manages to leave an impression.

• Saul Muerte