The movie Signs, directed by M. Night Shymalan and released in 2002, is a riveting tale of extraterrestrial invaders that terrorize a former reverend and his family in a rural community outside Philadelphia. With its excellent pacing and minimalist use of special effects, the film is a successful exploration of both the inner turmoil that can plague a family and how such a family can respond to such a terrifying event.
The Plot of Signs
Former reverend Graham Hess (Mel Gibson) lives with his brother (Joaquin Phoenix) and two children in rural Bucks County. Having lost his faith after the unfortunate death of his wife, Graham also struggles to hold his family together. Things take a sudden turn for the worse when he discovers crop circles in his corn, a discovery that people all over the world are making. Within a few hours of his discovery, it has become evident that a race of extraterrestrial creatures are planning an attack on earth.
Naturally, the aliens also begin their assault on Graham and his family, who quickly barricade themselves inside their home in an attempt to save themselves. Eventually, they retreat into the basement, where they are able to wait out the majority of the attack. As they emerge into daylight, however, they have a tense confrontation with a remaining alien (one which Graham had assaulted earlier), though they are able to defeat the creature, leaving all family members (with the exception of the dogs,) safe and sound.
The Acting in Signs
Although Gibson's acting tends to be a little wooden at times, he nevertheless does a credible job of portraying a man struggling with his faith, and one does feel a great deal of sympathy for him as, in a flashback scene, he shares a final tearful moment with his dying wife. Likewise Joaquin Phoenix, who normally plays rather obnoxious characters, here portrays someone genuinely trying to help his family survive a crisis.
The real stars of the film, are young Rory Caulkin (younger brother of Macaulay,) and Abigail Breslin (the star of the acclaimed film Little Miss Sunshine.) Although only quite young when the film was shot, Culkin manages to portray a great deal of energy and genuine sympathy, while Breslin, as always, steals the show with her angelic innocence.
The Pacing of Signs
Although it does have a surprise “twist ending” that Shymalan so clearly favors, the movie nevertheless is paced well, with just the right amount of tension to keep the audience interested right up until the end. Furthermore, Shymalan clearly knows how to do a lot with a little, as we only see the aliens aliens a few times and not clearly until the very end of the film. All of this contributes to the growing feeling of terror and trepidation and gives the film its pulse-pounding climax.
Thumbs Up or Thumbs Down?
Although somewhat predictable in its plot, Signs is nevertheless a great film to watch, even with the lights off. The happy ending, while a little cliched, nevertheless makes it a good choice for those who like to see their heroes triumph in the end.
Thomas West - Thomas grew up near Wheeling, WV, but pursued a Bachelor of Arts in English, History, and Classics at Marshall University. After working ...
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