Watch Signs

Signs is a 2002 alien invasion thriller directed by M. Night Shyamalan and starring Mel Gibson, Joaquin Phoenix, and Rory Culkin. The movie takes place in a small rural town in Pennsylvania and follows a former priest, Graham Hess (Mel Gibson), who lost his faith after the death of his wife. Graham lives on his farm with his two children, Morgan (Rory Culkin) and Bo (Abigail Breslin), and his younger brother Merrill (Joaquin Phoenix).

One night, strange crop circles appear on Graham's farm, and he begins to experience some strange occurrences. Soon, he realizes that the crop circles are not man-made and that there are aliens invading Earth. Graham and his family are forced to defend themselves against the extraterrestrial threat, as they try to survive in a world that has been turned upside down.

The movie explores themes of faith, family, and humanity's place in the universe. Graham's character arc is one of the most poignant of the movie. At the beginning of the movie, he is a broken man, grappling with his faith and unable to connect emotionally with his children. However, throughout the course of the movie, he manages to overcome his doubts and reconnects with his family.

The dynamic between the members of the Hess family is another central aspect of the movie. Morgan is a curious child who is fascinated by the extraterrestrial beings, while Bo is younger and more scared. Merrill is a bit of a goofball but is the most physically capable of the family when it comes to defending themselves against the aliens. All in all, the family dynamic adds to the realism of the story, making the characters feel like a real family.

The aliens in the movie are not your typical Hollywood creatures, which adds to the overall sense of intrigue and mystery. They are not shown in full until the end of the movie, but throughout the story, the audience gets glimpses of their physical characteristics, such as their long fingers and dark silhouettes. The aliens are shrouded in mystery, which makes them all the more terrifying.

The cinematography of the movie is also noteworthy, with the shots of the crop circles, the family's farm, and the surrounding countryside capturing a sense of isolation and fear. The movie makes the most of its rural setting, using the wide-open spaces and vast fields to great effect. The score is also an essential part of the overall experience, with James Newton Howard's haunting melodies adding to the sense of tension and unease throughout.

Signs is a suspenseful and thought-provoking movie that explores some significant themes in a unique and compelling way. The characters are well-developed, and the story is well-executed, making for a thrilling and emotional experience. The movie proves that it's possible to tell an effective and suspenseful story without relying on cheap thrills or over-the-top visual effects.

In conclusion, Signs is a well-made thriller that balances action and drama with a compelling story and strong characters. It is not just about aliens invading Earth but also about the strength of family and the power of faith. The movie manages to be both suspenseful and emotional, making it an excellent choice for fans of the genre and movie lovers in general.

Signs is a 2002 drama with a runtime of 1 hour and 46 minutes. It has received moderate reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 6.8 and a MetaScore of 59.