Village, The

USA 2004, 108 minutes
Dir. M. Night Shyamalan
Rating: [M]
Genres: Horror, Suspense/Crime / Paranorma

Feat. Bryce Dallas Howard, Joaquin Phoenix, Adrien Brody, William Hurt, Sigourney Weaver, Brendan Gleeson

Aroview: A further investigation in atmospherics from the maker of SIGNS and THE SIXTH SENSE, this time sent in the foreboding microcosm of an 18th century New England village.

Threatened by an invasion of demonic forest-dwellers in red robes - normally kept at bay by a perimeter of burning torches - the inner conflicts of the townsfolk reach crisis point. Containing a surprise twist that is perhaps the least 'surprising' of M. Night Shyamalan's concoctions, this emerges as an unduly thin drama, saved for some viewers by the strong performances (especially newcomer Howard) and the precisely crafted visuals.

Member Reviews

Average rating (Good Try). Showing 1-3 of 3 member reviews.

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3 stars (Good Enough) Sure, the 'twist' isn't exactly masterful, but visually, the film is striking, and it contains many interesting societal messages. ~Tom H
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2 stars (Good Try) A 19th-century village live in fear of the terrible creatures that inhabit a surrounding forbidden forest that no-one dares to enter. Not that difficult to guess the rest. Nicely shot film, but lacking in depth and too predictable. ~GenXGirl
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2 stars (Good Try) A slow burner but not that suspenseful when all is said and done. There is a fine cast but not all of them are fully employed. ~Tubbs