A frightening & deservedly haunting idea

Rating: 5/10 (16 June 2008)

The underlying premise is the reason you should appreciate this film. Reminiscent of 50's sci-fi kitsch (with a trace of zombie horror), character driven and not burdened with visual effects, The Happening is a story of nature gone horribly awry, raising the question of human survival. Yes, discriminating viewers will question acting and direction (maybe even wishing for a different cast), but in spite of an apparently rushed creation, the film does have a genuine and vital subtext. Though some will not believe it prescient or even agreeable, many will find strong resonance and familiar touchstones: Exponential growth is something that people do not innately grasp. Reproductive freedom is taken for granted. That nature will continue unchanged and is here for our benefit, has been assumed. What if everyone were engaged in self annihilating behaviors without comprehending? When I attended, a portion of the audience applauded after. It must be said that the film also has a beautiful and evocative score, for those who love great string arrangements.