M. Night Shyamalan delivers, once again, a richly layered and satisfying tale.

Rating: 9/10 (10 August 2004)

Disappointing? Only if you go expecting your typical horror movie. Though deeply terrifying at times this is a story-driven film, not a mindless adrenaline rush. Like his films before, M. Night Shyamalan gives us a complex and nuanced story. Hurt and Weaver are established masters at their craft and not surprisingly they deliver fully on the promise of their reputation. Phoenix once again lends a powerful likeability to his pensive hero. It is what Bryce Dallas Howard contributes that is most refreshing, however -- a character unlike any other, unique and not in any way cliché. Additionally, this tale is artfully presented and a handful of particularly stunning shots stand out as startling images long after the film is over.