Signs

The 2002 American science fiction thriller directed by M. Night Shyamalan follows former Episcopal priest Graham Hess (Mel Gibson), who, after the tragic death of his wife, leaves the clergy and lives with his two children, Morgan (Rory Culkin) and Bo (Abigail Breslin), along with his younger brother Merrill (Joaquin Phoenix) on a farm in Pennsylvania. Their tranquil life is disrupted by the appearance of massive crop circles in their cornfields, coinciding with global reports of similar phenomena and indications of a potential alien invasion. As events unfold, the family confronts escalating threats, ultimately seeking refuge in their home where they endure an attack by one of the extraterrestrial beings. In a pivotal moment, Merrill, heeding the dying words of Graham's wife, uses a baseball bat to defend the family, discovering that water is lethal to the aliens. The film delves into themes of faith, loss, and familial bonds, blending psychological tension with elements of the supernatural. The cast also includes Cherry Jones as police officer Caroline Paski and M. Night Shyamalan as Ray Reddy, the man responsible for the accident that killed Graham's wife. The score was composed by James Newton Howard, with cinematography by Tak Fujimoto. The film received positive reviews for its atmosphere and direction, grossing over $408 million worldwide against a $72 million budget.