The Village

It all comes to a head... in perhaps the greatest sequence Shyamalan has ever filmed.

Shyamalan's films never send that chill up the bone on a second viewing. Worse, with Signs and The Village even the first viewing is becoming a bit of a yawn.

The entire solemn, portentous edifice that is The Village collapses of its own fake weight.

Frankly, if you believe this twaddle, you'll believe anything, and if you believe anything, you don't need to go to the films -- you can just sit at home and fantasise for free.

Thought-provoking thriller too intense for some.

Dangerously dour.

I do think this is one of Shyamalan’s most accomplished works, and one that should be more recognized for the talent it shows behind and in front of the camera.

What it lacks in genuine terror it more than makes up for in a creepy atmosphere and a compelling love story.

Shyamalan employs mystery and obscurity along the way but only to serve the plot, not derail it. It’s a necessary element to emphasize trauma and grief, which are such essential focal points throughout.

Even with the poorly executed twists, that perspective would make The Village a flawed but bracing entry, a film worth watching. Unfortunately, there’s still the matter of Noah (Adrien Brody).