As has been said... very underrated

Rating: 8/10 (27 February 2005)

The problem with this movie is not the movie itself. All the marketing portrayed this to be a 'scary' film - even a 'horror' film on a similar level to 'Cabin Fever'. This couldn't be further from the truth. It is a moving film of family life at the turn of the 20th Century and how a community tries hard to maintain it's innocence despite growing problems and the fear of attack from invading creatures.
If you go into this movie expecting huge shocks, you will be disappointed, as its pace is very slow. There are shocks to be had - in fact there are some moments that are genuinely frightening - but in whole this movie is about the people, not the 'horror' the acting is top notch - a really good portrayal of 'Victorian' life. There are moments where you actually think you are watching an adaptation of a Jane Austen novel or even an episode of 'Little House on the Prairie'. Don't worry, these moments are fleeting, but they do draw into the time period.
As it a Shmayalan film, you have to expect twists, and you may even guess them before they happen, but this does not spoil the movie experience.
I highly recommend this movie, just don't expect the wrong type of film.