It takes the word 'terrifying' to a whole new level.

Rating: 10/10 (25 May 2010)

*INCLUDES SPOILERS*
It was a dark evening in 2002, I was 12 years old and wasn't expecting a great deal of horror, seeing as it was rated a very lousy 12 certificate by the BBFC.
I inserted the VHS tape, found a comfortable position on the couch and started to watch. Never before in my life had I been so immensely terrified by a movie. I took a peek at my mother who was sat next to me during the scene in the basement; her face explained what I was feeling.
M. Night's ability to create so much chilling, hair-raising tension is monumental. The music is something I had never heard before, it's such an incredible contribution to the theme and mood of the film and defiantly in my opinion, a soundtrack deserving of an academy award.
The story sees a family of four in rural Pennsylvania facing their greatest fears. Graham Hess (Mel Gibson), a former reverend, is deeply saddened after the death of his wife in a road traffic accident. His brother Merrill (Joaquin Phoenix) has moved in to help him get back on his feet and return to normal life. Graham's children Morgan (Rory Culkin) and Bo (Abigail Breslin) have also been enduring deeply depressing times after the loss of their mother and have both lost faith in their father as it seems he has lost his.
Many surreal events begin to occur, initially ignored by the family as they try to recover from their bereavement. As the events begin to snowball into a worldwide panic the family are forced to act, uniting and attempting to survive.
The most terrifying part for me was the Brazilian home video scene. As the reporter informs the audience that "What you're about to see may disturb you" and the music begins, you can feel the suspense building. You're watching the video for around 40 seconds and nothing is happening, until the music builds to a climax and all is revealed. Phoenix's acting right here was fantastic, as he witnesses the video the immediate shock he shows is out of this world. This is the moment when he realises what to expect.
The acting is superb, it really is. Gibson leads well and acts just as man would in his character's situation. He shows very low charisma, but still a doting side for his family. Joaquin Phoenix's performance was also a joy to watch especially during the Brazilian video scene, along with Rory Culkin and Abigail Breslin who both contribute greatly.
M. Night Shyamalan's screenplay writing for this film is very smart indeed; he is able to make a film feel so chilling, it's possible to feel your heart jumping from your chest. Even whilst watching the opening titles you can sense that you're in for a roller-coaster of a ride.
The core subject of this movie is faith. How Graham had questioned his after his wife's death, how his children are losing theirs in their father, and how Merrill has lost his in himself.
For me, this has everything; great acting, astounding suspense, recognisable characters and of course, aliens! Most defiantly the most frightening film a 12-year-old can watch.
********** 10/10