Scary and Moving At The Same Time

Rating: 10/10 (1 September 2002)

It's easy to see why `Signs' would be such a success with moviegoers: people are constantly looking to have their faith reaffirmed, especially in these times, and a film like this is able to provide that reaffirmation in a unique take on the horror genre. It's scary and moving at the same time. Writer/director M. Night Shyamalan has created a far more surprising thriller than he did in his breakthrough `The Sixth Sense', this time constructing a puzzle that you don't realize is a puzzle until the climax. Ostensibly a film about an apparent alien invasion, Shyamalan concentrates his story on a farmhouse in rural Pennsylvania, where a pastor (Mel Gibson, in a carefully constructed performance) who has left the church after the untimely death of his wife struggles to reconcile his anger and disbelief; in this regard it becomes a very personal film questioning not only the presence of God during tragedy but also a God who creates tragedy as part of plans both great and small. Shyamalan creates an unnerving atmosphere by deliberately withholding information about the invasion: most of the news reports are speculative and haphazardly disseminated, allowing the audience to identify and share a sense of dread that lingers long after it's over. Unlike `The Sixth Sense' there's a droll humor that sneaks up on you (a scene involving a teenager's spontaneous confession delightfully tricks you into laughing when you least expect to) and it gives the film a reassuring warmth that helps keep everything centered. Shyamalan seems to realize his limitations as a thinker--he doesn't pretend to be profound--but he does treat his audience with respect and invests his film with an intelligence and wit that's perfect for a studio feature. A very satisfying experience, not easily forgotten or dismissed.