The Village

PRIYANKA HALDIPUR

English (Symphony)
Cast: Joaquin Phoenix, Bryce Dallas Howard, Adrien Brody, William Hurt, Sigourney Weaver
Director: Manoj Night Shyamalan

A horror film has that “hate me, but you can’t ignore me” quality to it, which makes it so hard for you to sweep it off under the carpet — especially if it’s a Shyamalan original. Even more so, if it is The Village, that has been the object of abundant media hype.

The Village starts off showing a staid little settlement where sheep bleat, children run around playfully and life goes on like a lulling country number. But, the entire population freezes every time gory noises emerge from the woods. For, in the deep dark forest lie “those we don’t speak about”.

A giant cloud of mystery looms over these scary creatures that none has laid eyes on, but only read about in history books. They hate the colour “red”. And, every time they are disturbed, they show displeasure by skinning alive the cattle in the village, as a warning sign to the villagers.

To enter “the town” close to the village, one has to cross the woods, but not a soul who has ventured there has returned alive. Lucius Hunt (Phoenix) is one of those who has lost a family member here. Yet, he is the only one who nurses a daring desire to get out there one day and discover what secrets are hidden there. This strong, silent casanova has a soft corner for Ivy Walker (Howard), a visually impaired girl. Ivy “runs like a boy”, speaks her mind, is in love with Lucius and is best friends with mentally challenged, Noah Percy (Brody).

After Lucius and Ivy make public their intentions to get married, Lucius is found stabbed and almost dying. Only medicine from the town can save his life. Ivy rises to the occasion and offers to encounter hell to save her “Prince Charming”. Anything more about the storyline could jeopardise the “A-Ha” effect of the film.

Shyamalan created the role of “Lucius” especially keeping Phoenix in mind. Though one would assume he’s the film’s prime character, Howard is quick to take lead. She shines as Ivy making it effortless for you to relate to her state of mind in every single minute of the film. The chemistry between Ivy and Lucius can only be beaten by the beautiful lines exchanged between them.

All the rumours about the ending of this 60-million-dollar-film, being a letdown, are true. But, the smart ones will figure out, there is more to a movie than just its climax. At least, this one makes you believe so. The funny thing is that if you think deep enough, a clue to the fundamentals of the film is contained in its two-word title. The Sixth Sense will always reign as Shyamalan’s masterpiece, but The Village sure beats his other creations, hands down.