A Gothic tale by a gifted story teller.

Rating: 10/10 (3 August 2004)

This is a great story, a well crafted film, and a positive move for a young, talented film maker. M. Night Shyamalan has proven that the power of a movie is in the story, not the special effects. It is in the directing, editing, cinematography, and acting, not the cheap thrills. If you're expecting a formulaic thriller, a bloody slasher film, or another sci-fi twist at the end - you will be disappointed. If you go wanting to be mesmerized by a complex, layered story, and terrific ensemble acting - you will be enjoying and thinking about this film for days.
This film is about fear, and how fear impacts lives, and controls a communities future. This film is about the community misfits rising above the group fear to face the unknown, the unseen, and find their own courage and leadership. Something to think about in this time of Homeland Security and Code Orange Alerts. Shyamalan is being compared to Hitchcock - but Hitchcock at his prime, with years of film making under his belt. Compare Shyamalan to the young Hitchcock of "A Lady Vanishes", "Sabotage", and the first "The Man Who Knew Too Much". There you will see a strong story teller, testing his theories, and refining his craft. Is this the best Shyamalan film? I hope not, I hope in 10 and 20 years Shymalan will be weaving his stories, and keeping us on the edge of our seats with greater films. The man is a gifted story teller - and his medium is film.
And for those who have criticized the 'stilted' dialogue - if you read diaries from the 1800's, the dialogue is not far off the mark. It was a time when people considered speaking and oration an art to practice.
I enjoyed this film and would highly recommend it.