Film Review: Reviewed By Brian Pendreigh; 3 out of 5

M Night Shyamalan's reputation has been built on his way with a twist ending, and this unlikely cross between Lost Horizon and Alien continues the tradition set by The Sixth Sense and Signs. Set in an unspecified time and place, this beautifully photographed tale concerns an isolated rural community that seems idyllic - except for the mysterious creatures that inhabit the surrounding woods. The villagers respect the territory of these rarely seen beings, but the uneasy truce is challenged when Lucius Hunt (Joaquin Phoenix) steps across the boundary line. Shyamalan uses just about every trick in the book to create a sense of unease - spooky woods, creepy music and things that literally go bump in the night - and his cast performs admirably, particularly newcomer Bryce Dallas Howard (daughter of director Ron Howard). However, in trying to top his previous films, Shyamalan piles on the twists until the story buckles - this time, perhaps, less would have been more.

Plot Summary

Horror thriller starring Joaquin Phoenix, Bryce Dallas Howard and Adrien Brody. An isolated rural community maintains an uneasy truce with the mysterious creatures who live in the surrounding woods... until a villager crosses the boundary.