Detailed Summary
The Mysterious Crop Circles
The film begins with Graham Hess (Mel Gibson), a former Episcopal priest, discovering strange crop circles in his cornfield. These crop circles, initially thought to be a prank, soon reveal themselves to be the work of extraterrestrial beings. As more crop circles appear worldwide, the threat becomes increasingly apparent.
Graham’s Crisis of Faith
Graham, who lost his faith after his wife’s tragic death, struggles with his belief in a higher power. His brother Merrill (Joaquin Phoenix), a former minor league baseball player, lives with him and helps take care of Graham’s two children, Morgan (Rory Culkin) and Bo (Abigail Breslin). The family grapples with their personal grief while confronting the eerie occurrences on their farm.
The Alien Invasion
As the film progresses, television broadcasts reveal that aliens are preparing to invade Earth. The family watches in horror as footage from around the world shows the menacing presence of these extraterrestrial beings. The tension mounts as the creatures get closer to the Hess family’s farm.
The Home Invasion
The climax of the film occurs when the aliens invade the Hess home. The family barricades themselves in the basement, where they encounter multiple moments of sheer terror. Morgan, who has asthma, suffers a severe attack, and the family’s survival seems uncertain. However, they manage to hold out until morning, when the aliens suddenly retreat.
The Final Confrontation
In the morning, the family emerges from the basement to find their home trashed but the immediate danger seemingly passed. However, an alien that was trapped in their pantry reappears and takes Morgan hostage. In a moment of clarity, Graham recalls his wife’s dying words, which lead him to tell Merrill to “swing away” with his baseball bat. Merrill strikes the alien, causing it to release Morgan, who is saved when the alien’s poison is neutralized by his asthma. The alien is ultimately defeated by the water that Bo had left around the house, revealing water as the aliens’ weakness.
Movie Ending
The film ends with the aliens retreating from Earth, leaving the world shaken but safe. Graham’s faith is restored after realizing that everything that happened was part of a divine plan. He returns to the clergy, finding peace and purpose once more.
Are There Post-Credits Scenes?
No, “Signs” does not have any post-credits scenes.
Type of Movie
“Signs” is a science fiction thriller with elements of horror and drama, directed by M. Night Shyamalan. It combines the tension of an alien invasion with deeper themes of faith and redemption.
Cast
- Mel Gibson as Graham Hess
- Joaquin Phoenix as Merrill Hess
- Rory Culkin as Morgan Hess
- Abigail Breslin as Bo Hess
- Cherry Jones as Officer Paski
- M. Night Shyamalan as Ray Reddy
Film Music and Composer
The film’s score, composed by James Newton Howard, is a crucial element in building suspense. The minimalist, eerie soundtrack heightens the tension throughout the movie, contributing significantly to its unsettling atmosphere.
Filming Locations
- Bucks County, Pennsylvania: The film was shot primarily in this rural area, which perfectly captures the isolated, small-town setting essential to the movie’s tone.
- Newtown, Pennsylvania: Additional scenes were filmed here, adding to the authentic Midwestern American feel.
The rural setting is crucial, as it amplifies the sense of isolation and vulnerability experienced by the characters.
Awards and Nominations
While “Signs” didn’t receive major awards, it was well-received by critics and audiences, particularly for its suspenseful direction and performances.
Behind the Scenes Insights
- M. Night Shyamalan has a cameo in the film as Ray Reddy, the man responsible for the death of Graham’s wife, which significantly impacts Graham’s faith journey.
- The crop circles were created practically, without CGI, adding to the film’s grounded, realistic feel.
- Mel Gibson’s performance as a grieving father and priest marked a departure from his usual action roles, showcasing his range as an actor.
Inspirations and References
- Crop Circles: The film was inspired by real-world phenomena of crop circles, which have long been linked to UFO lore.
- Faith and Redemption: The film delves into themes reminiscent of Shyamalan’s earlier work, such as “The Sixth Sense,” intertwining personal trauma with supernatural aspects.
Alternate Endings and Deleted Scenes
Shyamalan maintained tight control over the film’s vision, ensuring a cohesive and complete narrative with no alternate endings or significant deleted scenes.
Book Adaptations and Differences
“Signs” is an original screenplay by M. Night Shyamalan and not based on a book, so there are no direct adaptations or differences to discuss.
Memorable Scenes and Quotes
Key Scenes
- The First Crop Circle: The discovery of the first crop circle that sets the ominous tone for the rest of the movie.
- Alien in the Pantry: The tense moment when Graham confronts an alien trapped in the pantry, leading to a brief but terrifying encounter.
- The Basement Scene: The family’s fight for survival in the basement as they await the aliens’ next move.
Iconic Quotes
- “There is no one looking out for us. We are all on our own.” – Graham Hess
- “Swing away, Merrill.” – Graham Hess
- “It’s contaminated!” – Bo Hess, referring to the glasses of water she leaves everywhere.
Easter Eggs and Hidden Details
- Water as a Weakness: The film subtly hints at water being the aliens’ weakness throughout, with Bo’s habit of leaving glasses of water around the house.
- Signs of Faith: The narrative subtly weaves recurring imagery and dialogue about faith and signs, symbolizing Graham’s journey.
Trivia
- M. Night Shyamalan’s cameo as Ray Reddy is one of his most significant on-screen roles.
- The film grossed over $400 million worldwide, making it one of Shyamalan’s most commercially successful films.
- Abigail Breslin, who plays Bo, was only five years old during filming, and this role was one of her earliest in her acting career.
Why Watch?
“Signs” offers a masterclass in suspense, blending science fiction with profound emotional depth. It’s not just a story about an alien invasion but also a narrative about faith, family, and the search for meaning in the face of unimaginable events.
Director’s Other Movies
- The Sixth Sense (1999)
- Unbreakable (2000)
- The Village (2004)
- Lady in the Water (2006)
- Split (2016)
Recommended Films for Fans
- War of the Worlds (2005)
- The Village (2004)
- Close Encounters of the Third Kind (1977)
- The Others (2001)
- A Quiet Place (2018)
