The Village

M. Night Shyamalan returns fresh from the success of Signs with this effort, the curiously titled "The Village".

Make of this film's title what you will, but anyone familiar with M. Night Shyamalan's previous works will no doubt be expecting the same kind of eerie narrative that permeates his previous work. It seems The Village is shaping up to be every bit as claustrophobic and chilling as The Sixth Sense.

And who are we to argue? Besides, not only is Shyamalan in possession of an enviable portfolio of work, he's garnered a reputation as a subversive and master storyteller, with more than a penchant for impacting the audience with significant plot twists. Since 1999's The Sixth Sense, it's something moviegoers familiar with his previous work look out for. Word has it that The Village is no exception, though we shan't reveal what surprises The Village has in store - we'd just be spoiling you if we did.

What we are willing to impart to you is the premise, which takes Shyamalan out of the Urban Jungle and into the rural beginnings of America. The story takes place in late 19th Century Pennsylvania, but more specifically the village of Covington, home to 60 or so men, women and children. The villagers enjoy a peaceful existence, but under bizarre conditions: surrounding the village is a wooded area, one that the people of Covington have come to regard as the home of mythical, unearthly beings. In order to continue their quiet life, the Villagers are forbidden to enter the woods - in return, the creatures do not encroach on the Villagers' place of residence. Unfortunately for the people of Covington, something or someone has displeased the creatures, leading to a stark and unsettling warning from the wood dwellers...

Shyamalan's assembled cast is a mix of grisly veterans, rising stars and fresh-faced newcomers, with the lead role being filled by the relatively unknown Bryce Dallas Howard. Among the bulk of the established Hollywood talent is Joaquin Phoenix in his second Shyamalan effort, and Ashton Kutcher, no doubt looking to capitalise on his quiet success with The Butterfly Effect. Add to the roster the 2003 Academy Awards Best Actor Adrien Brody and Hollywood legend Sigourney Weaver, and you've got one of the best-assembled casts of the year.

Once again, Shyamalan takes credit for both Direction and Screenwriting, a double whammy that should put to rest any fears that The Village will deliver anything less than Shyamalan's best. As per usual, we're left with only speculation as to what kind of "mythical creatures" will feature in the film, or whether we'll even see them at all. The trailer currently circulating (see below) isn't giving much away either, save a couple of obscured and blurry encounters with the creatures and their stealthy attempts at retribution (with panicky and hysterical villagers as part of the package, naturally).

Come July 30th, the world will be bracing itself as it enters the theatre to sample Shyamalan's latest offering - our only advice is if when you see this film and walk out a bumbling wreck, clean up after yourself... we shudder to think what kind of mess you'll leave behind.

Jamie Thomson
Film Critic, Kikizo Movies