Night Has Found His Niche

Rating: 10/10 (4 August 2004)

You'd think it was an ordinary little town but take a step into the surrounding woods and it may be your last. With The Village, Night has proved himself a master of the Hitchcock suspense genre. But be forewarned, although it is superior in some ways, if you head into this movie expecting The Sixth Sense you are in for a disappointment. It's not your classic 'BOO' horror flick, nor is it an Aliens vs. Predator special effects blockbuster, but that's not to say it won't keep you on the edge of your seat.
Just as eerie takes of Philadelphia's Gothic architecture chilled us in The Sixth Sense, Shyamalan's The Village works its magic through the ghostly Pennsylvanian woodlands. It's cold, dark, and unsettling but the people carry on by abiding to the three rules that keep the creatures away. That is until one defiant villager crosses the forbidden line...
Although not a special effects movie, the visuals are quite stunning. Night also recognizes the essential element for creating suspense, music. The film is accompanied by one of the most amazing musical scores in a decade. Furthermore he demonstrates his keen eye for talent. This all star cast fits perfectly into their roles and envelopes the story as though it was written specifically for them. Most note worthy are the outstanding performances by Adrien Brody who plays the mentally handicapped Noah Percy and newcomer Bryce Dallas Howard (Daughter of Director Ron Howard) who makes a stellar debut performance as Ivy Walker, the blind schoolmaster and romantic interest. Having won the part without even auditioning, Bryce brings each scene to life with her mere stage presence. Hopefully we will see more of this talented young actress in the years ahead.
The Village reaches out beyond his past works and captures the audience with a much more powerful emotional attachment to the characters, especially Bryce Howard's Ivy Walker. The result is a thoroughly entertaining and thought provoking take on human nature (fear, love, and sorrow) with a few of Shyamalan's trademark twists. Unlike his second and third works, however, they are much more relevant to the story and fit more seamlessly into the mix. Overall, less of a horror flick than a suspense drama Night takes us on a less traditional rout. A path in which he has truly excelled, having both directed and written this, his best work since his original masterpiece. Excellent 10/10