When The Village's questionable twist ending and slower pace, deeming it the start of a creative downfall for Shyamalan.

However, two decades later, The Village deserves a second look. Beneath its controversial reception lies a film that does more than rely on jump scares or plot twists. It’s a slow-burn psychological horror that delivers richly layered tension, poignant social commentary, and a hauntingly memorable atmosphere. And, truthfully, The Village's ending is not that bad. By revisiting The Village with fresh eyes, it becomes clear that it is one of Shyamalan’s most underrated and thought-provoking films of his repertoire.

Why The Village Deserves More Recognition Among M. Night Shyamalan’s Movies

The Village Presents A Unique Style Of Horror

Shyamalan’s approach to horror has always been unconventional, relying less on conventional scares and more on the psychological dread of the unknown. The Village’s horror lies in its restraint, its atmosphere, and its slow-burn storytelling. Set in a 19th-century rural village that is seemingly encircled by unseen monsters, the film’s premise evokes classic horror tropes. However, as The Village progresses, it becomes evident that this isn't a simple monster flick, but a narrative exploring fear, control, and the lengths people will go to maintain an illusion of safety.

By breaking away from the blood-and-gore genre conventions, Shyamalan crafts a more cerebral form of horror. The movie hinges on atmosphere, tension, and the uncomfortable sense of dread that looms over every single scene. Though the plot twist—a hallmark of Shyamalan’s storytelling—was undoubtebly divisive, it serves a larger purpose in questioning humanity's need for control and the moral ambiguities inherent in doing whatever it takes to protect one's loved ones. In fact, to many, The Village’s ending was its best aspect. This philosophical depth is precisely what makes The Village stand out, even if it polarized viewers.

The Village Skillfully Crafts Tension Through Atmosphere and Character

The Village Has Brilliant Cinematography, Gripping Music, And Horrific Restraint

One of The Village's most commendable achievements is its meticulous atmosphere, created through Roger Deakins’ haunting cinematography and a minimalist score by James Newton Howard. Deakins’ use of color, with bold yellows and ominous reds, builds a visual spectacle that contrasts the idealistic village life with the lurking dangers of the surrounding forest. The muted tones within the village convey a sense of isolation and timelessness, while the ominous color of crimson heightens the tension and unease, reminding both villagers and viewers of the lurking threat beyond.

Deakins’ use of color, with bold yellows and ominous reds, builds a visual spectacle that contrasts the idealistic village life with the lurking dangers of the surrounding forest.

Moreover, Shyamalan's restraint in revealing the creatures that terrorize the village plays a significant role in crafting tension. Rather than relying on jump scares or gore, the horror in The Village is psychological, relying on what’s unseen and unknown to create fear. This approach keeps viewers on edge as they question the true nature of the creatures and whether the danger lies outside or within. The choice to depict these creatures in fleeting, distorted flashes instead of clear shots amplifies their menacing presence, portraying an atmosphere of dread without direct confrontation.

Character development further strengthens the atmosphere. Ivy Walker (Bryce Dallas Howard) brings a unique perspective to the horror genre. Blind yet fearless, Ivy symbolizes innocence, determination, and unwavering faith in humanity. Her bond with Lucius Hunt (played by future Pscar-winner Joaquin Phoenix) is both tender and central to the film's tension; their love serves as a juxtaposition to the surrounding fear. Their relationship imbues the film with emotional stakes, grounding the horror in relatable human experiences of love, trust, and sacrifice. Shyamalan’s focus on character-driven storytelling over traditional scares enables The Village to linger in viewers’ minds long after the credits roll.

The Village Stands Out As A Thought-Provoking Horror Movie

The Village Tackles Relatable Themes For Those Who Were Sheltered From The Outside World

Unlike most horror films, The Village takes a deeply philosophical approach to fear and control. At its core, the movie is a critique of utopian ideals and the consequences of attempting to insulate oneself from the world’s dangers. The village elders, traumatized by past tragedies, construct an isolated, dystopian society under the guise of safety. By manufacturing a threat, they control the village’s younger generation, manipulating fear to maintain an illusion of safety and order. In many ways, The Village mirrors real-world scenarios in which societies or governments use fear to justify control.

The twist ending reveals that the village is, in fact, a hidden rural society retreating from modern horrors into a simpler, fictitious past. This twist, while initially jarring, raises important and relevant ethical questions. It asks whether the elders are protecting their loved ones, or if they are imposing a fearful worldview that ultimately hinders growth and freedom. Shyamalan uses this revelation not merely to shock but to compel viewers to consider the cost of sheltering people from reality and the potential harm of using fear as a tool for control.

The twist ending reveals that the village is, in fact, a hidden rural society retreating from modern horrors into a simpler, fictitious past. This twist, while initially jarring, raises important and relevant ethical questions.

This ambiguity invites viewers to question the boundaries of protection and control, especially in a world where information and fear are often manipulated. The elders’ intentions may be sympathetic, but their methods reveal how far fear can drive people to go against their ethical principles. This unsettling moral grayness sets The Village apart, transforming it from a simple horror movie into a compelling social critique.

By blending horror with psychological and philosophical themes, The Village defies genre expectations. It goes beyond a traditional horror narrative of blood, gore, guts, and knives. It challenges viewers to reflect on the roots of fear, the human instinct for control, and the sometimes harmful consequences of trying to shield loved ones from reality.

The movie’s slow pacing and emphasis on atmosphere over action may not appeal to everyone. Yet, for those willing to engage with its deeper themes, The Village offers a unique and rewarding experience. M. Night Shyamalan may have faced criticism for The Village, but with time, it stands as a much better film than many , combining chilling atmosphere, layered storytelling, and thought-provoking themes that merit it being considered in the upper echelons of not only Shyamalan's films, but horror films in general.