Signs
directed by M. Night Shyamalan
written by M. Night Shyamalan
M. Night Shyamalan’s 2002 film Signs follows the Hess family as they prepare for an alien invasion
at their farmhouse in rural Pennsylvania.
Omens of an oncoming invasion haunt the family. Crop circles surround their home, strange figures are sighted in the corn fields at night, and a non-stop stream of
news broadcasts about UFOs play on TV all day. Shyamalan builds a subtly foreboding atmosphere throughout Signs that's enough to keep you at the edge of your seat.
The main takeaway isn’t just the horror aspects of the movie though - the family’s relationships are really what sells it for me.
All the leads give great performances, and I find Shyamalan’s brand of offbeat dialogue very charming.
My favourite part of the film is Graham Hess's monologue to his brother Merrill. Merril asks him to give him comfort,
and Graham delivers a speech that is anything but comforting.