Signs (2002)

“Signs” (2002) is a science fiction thriller directed by M. Night Shyamalan, who is known for his ability to weave suspenseful narratives with a touch of the supernatural. The film stars Mel Gibson as Graham Hess, a former Episcopal priest who has lost his faith after the tragic death of his wife. Graham lives on a farm in rural Pennsylvania with his two children, Morgan (Rory Culkin) and Bo (Abigail Breslin), and his younger brother, Merrill (Joaquin Phoenix).

The story begins when Graham discovers mysterious crop circles in his cornfields, which are later revealed to be part of a global phenomenon. As the Hess family grapples with the fear and uncertainty surrounding these strange occurrences, they begin to realize that the crop circles are not just random acts of vandalism but part of a larger, more ominous pattern. News reports and radio broadcasts suggest that extraterrestrial beings might be responsible for the crop circles and that an invasion could be imminent.

The film masterfully builds tension by focusing on the family’s response to the threat rather than relying on elaborate special effects or action sequences. The Hess family fortifies their home, boarding up windows and doors as they prepare for a potential alien attack. Shyamalan’s use of confined spaces and eerie sound design heightens the sense of dread, making the audience feel the family’s isolation and vulnerability.