Signs | Rotten Tomatoes

Lyra S A Masterpiece of Cosmic Suspense! As an astronomical autodidact, I approach movies about extraterrestrial life with a mix of skepticism and fascination. Signs, directed by M. Night Shyamalan, may not be a hard sci-fi film, but it delivers one of the most gripping and intimate portrayals of a first-contact scenario ever put to screen. Instead of bombarding us with grandiose space battles or government conspiracies, the movie zeroes in on something far more terrifying—the realization that we are not alone, and that something is already here. Mel Gibson and Joaquin Phoenix deliver powerful performances as a family trying to make sense of increasingly unsettling events: strange crop circles, eerie noises, and fleeting glimpses of an intelligence beyond human comprehension. The brilliance of Signs lies in its restraint—Shyamalan understands that true fear comes from the unknown. The aliens are seen only in brief, chilling moments, forcing our imaginations to fill in the gaps. This mirrors the real-world uncertainty surrounding extraterrestrial life. With the vastness of the universe and the increasing discovery of exoplanets in habitable zones, the possibility of alien life is scientifically plausible. But what happens if they actually make contact? Would they be curious observers, indifferent travelers, or something far more threatening? One of the most thought-provoking aspects of the film is how it touches on the psychological and philosophical impact of such an encounter. While the scientific community often focuses on the how of extraterrestrial life, Signs delves into the human response. Fear, denial, faith, and survival instincts all collide as the characters face an unimaginable reality. While Signs may not satisfy those looking for a documentary-level breakdown of extraterrestrial intelligence, it excels in crafting an atmosphere of suspense and wonder. It’s a film that makes you look at the sky differently, wonder about the things we don’t yet understand, and ask—if they come, will we be ready? ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Vincent Kleijn Rated 5 out of 5 stars 02/04/25 Full Review Samuel W The horror, sometimes comedy, that spun the alien genre on its head. Mel Gibson and Joaquin Phoenix really showed the performance of a lifetime as two very grounded characters with their own flaws and personalities, sometimes clashing together, but other times really complimenting one another’s performances. The aliens themselves are actually terrifiying, not knowing where they are or when they would show up, or what they were even on Earth for. The entire movie has this feel that the threat is looming over their heads the entire time, making you feel paranoid and driving the characters to the point of insanity. The whole movie was so well-done and the characters had a realistic feel to them. It was a very enjoyable film and I believe there should be more grounded horror movies such as this one. Rated 4 out of 5 stars 01/01/25 Full Review Rami A Who would have thought that a sci-fi thriller horror film could evoke such suspense and emotion? Director M. Night Shyamalan knows how to play with the audience's mind. Instead of following a conventional pattern or revealing the obvious, he takes a different approach and often does the unexpected. For instance, rather than using high-tech equipment, he has Morgan rely on Bo's old baby monitor, which adds a touch of creativity and realism. Furthermore, in the climactic moments of the film, without giving away any spoilers, he takes the audience by surprise, creating fear without needing to show much on screen. Rated 5 out of 5 stars 12/31/24 Full Review Daniel N Amazing! Super creepy, slow burning, alien movie with a great build up, great writing, great soundtrack and amazing performances from Mel Gibson and Joaquin Phoenix. Cannot like this movie enough. Rated 5 out of 5 stars 12/24/24 Full Review Luis I This film stands as an excellent example of M. Night Shyamalan at his creative peak. It’s a near-perfect lesson in balancing the characters' internal struggles with the external threats; a standard every horror film should strive for. By holding back on showing the monster until absolutely necessary, the tension is masterfully sustained, adding to the film’s overall impact. The themes of faith and belief are intricately woven throughout the narrative, culminating in a well-earned and satisfying character arc by the end. The writing and acting are stellar, and Shyamalan’s direction enhances every scene with deliberate camera movements and angles that heighten the emotional and narrative beats. A minor flaw lies in the flashbacks near the film's conclusion. While they serve to clarify the emotional climax, their placement feels slightly heavy-handed. A subtler approach, or introducing these moments earlier in the story, might have better respected the audience's ability to connect the dots. Additionally, some viewers might take issue with the handling of the aliens in the finale. However, it’s essential to understand that the film filters the global crisis through the perspective of the family, leaving much about the larger invasion deliberately vague. This choice underscores the movie’s thematic focus: letting go and embracing belief, rather than dissecting the mechanics of the invasion. Ultimately, this movie stands tall as both a classic alien invasion story and one of the finest works in Shyamalan’s filmography. Its horror elements are restrained enough to make it accessible to a wide audience, and its deeper themes offer rich substance for reflection. Highly recommended for anyone, even those not typically drawn to horror. Rated 4 out of 5 stars 12/18/24 Full Review Tasha L Such a classic and definitely a must see. Great movie with lots of suspense Rated 4 out of 5 stars 12/09/24 Full Review Read all reviews

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