M. Night Shyamalan is responsible for two of my favorite movies: The Sixth Sense and Unbreakable. Both of those films have endings that really hit you like a ton of bricks. (That is, as long as some schmuck doesn’t tell you what happens before you see them.) Signs doesn’t have one of those endings, but the ending does play a vital role in your enjoyment of the film.
Graham Hess (Mel Gibson) is a widowed father living on a farm in Bucks County, Pennsylvania with his two children, Bo (Abigail Breslin) and Morgan (Rory Culkin). Graham’s brother Merrill (Joaquin Phoenix) moved in to give Graham support in the rough days following his wife’s death. Graham, a former reverend, has lost his faith in God and although most of the townsfolk still call him “Father,” he prefers to not be addressed as such anymore.
One morning, Graham wakes to find a crop circle in his backyard. Crop circles are those strange patterns that have been left in wheat and corn fields which, when viewed from above, reveal elaborate geometrical designs. Graham believes the circle is the work of pranksters until television reports indicate these circles have suddenly appeared all over the world. Suddenly, after giving up his belief in God, he now has to decide if he is to believe in the possibility of aliens visiting Earth.
M. Night Shyamalan, who wrote, directed and has a significant supporting role in the film, gradually turns up the tension to almost unbearable levels as the possibility of alien invasion becomes more real. Without showing too much, Shyamalan is able to create scenes that creep you out even after you’ve left the theater. It’s been quite some time since I’ve seen a movie that’s scared me as much as Signs.
The only real problem with Signs is that it builds and builds to a conclusion that will ultimately disappoint or confuse a lot of people, especially those looking for a conventional Independence Day type ending. What makes me recommend the film so heartily, though, is the craftsmanship is so damn enjoyable. Mel Gibson’s performance is subtle and moving, without being overly hokey. Joaquin Phoenix may not look like Gibson’s brother, but he does a good job of acting like he is. The kids, Rory Culkin and Abigail Breslin, are also excellent in their roles. But it is not the acting that is the real star here. It is M. Night Shyamalan’s directing. If a simple shot of a corn field in a light breeze can inspire feelings of dread, something’s working. In Signs, that feeling of dread slowly permeates the movie as it continues toward its somewhat less-than-satisfying conclusion.
As flawed as the ending is, the movie is still the most enjoyable horror film I’ve seen in years. Providing true scares, lasting chills, and doing so without resorting to gore, violence and ridiculous special effects, Signs is yet another solid film from M. Night Shyamalan.
4.0 out of 5.0 stars
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