Shyamalan's early movies all have a feel to them that I can only describe as... somberly thrilling? I don't know if that makes sense, but The Sixth Sense, Unbreakable and Signs all have an almost tragic undertone to them as the flawed main characters make their way through the story, and it makes the thrilling parts seem more earned. For some reason, the scene that stuck out the most to me In this was the dinner table scene, as it was really sad seeing Graham finally break as he struggles with his beliefs on whether things happen for a reason after his wife's death. Those flashbacks were gut-punches.
Shyamalan's signature buildup is on display here as several suspenseful scenes scattered throughout the movie lead to the climatic night in the basement. I think that the buildup to the alien reveal was good, but I think showing us an alien fully might not have been the best decision, especially with those vfx that will only continue to age. I like the metaphors of 'signs' from a Faith-based point of view, and how the events of the film lead Graham back to his Faith. I think the ending could've been edited better, as it was being played like a big Shyamalan twist when In actuality it was more of a meager realization on Graham's part, but I still like the symbolism. Joaquin was great in this, and so was James Newton Howard for sure. Probably my least favorite of the three OG Shyamalan films, but that's not a bad thing, as I enjoyed them all.
Also, loved Mel Gibson's delivery of the 'Two Groups' monologue, fantastic writing there.
Shyamalan's signature buildup is on display here as several suspenseful scenes scattered throughout the movie lead to the climatic night in the basement. I think that the buildup to the alien reveal was good, but I think showing us an alien fully might not have been the best decision, especially with those vfx that will only continue to age. I like the metaphors of 'signs' from a Faith-based point of view, and how the events of the film lead Graham back to his Faith. I think the ending could've been edited better, as it was being played like a big Shyamalan twist when In actuality it was more of a meager realization on Graham's part, but I still like the symbolism. Joaquin was great in this, and so was James Newton Howard for sure. Probably my least favorite of the three OG Shyamalan films, but that's not a bad thing, as I enjoyed them all.
Also, loved Mel Gibson's delivery of the 'Two Groups' monologue, fantastic writing there.