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| The Happening (2008) |
"The Happening" is a 2008 science-fiction thriller movie directed by M. Night Shyamalan. The video delves into the unexplained and terrible phenomena that drive people to commit mass suicide across the Northeastern United States. Starring Mark Wahlberg, Zooey Deschanel, and John Leguizamo, the film blends horror, suspense, and environmental issues. While the picture received mixed reviews upon release, it remains a fascinating addition to Shyamalan's body of work.
The story of "The Happening" begins with an incomprehensible incident in major cities around the Northeastern United States. People begin to exhibit abnormal behavior, resulting in mass suicides and widespread fear. The film begins in New York City's Central Park, where a group of strangers watch the first wave of these mysterious suicides. The victims appear to lose control of their behavior, with some jumping from buildings or harming themselves.
Elliot Moore, a high school science teacher, and his wife Alma, along with their friend Julian and his daughter Jess, decide to evacuate the city in an attempt to avoid the turmoil. As they set out on their trek to find safety, they rapidly learn that the phenomenon is not restricted to metropolitan areas, but is spreading throughout the region.
The picture creates a sense of dread and tension as the protagonists struggle to understand the nature of the threat. With his scientific background, Elliot strives to determine the reason for the unusual incidents. Meanwhile, the gang witnesses other unpleasant images, including the disintegration of societal order and the gory aftermath of mass suicides.
As the characters continue their trek, they meet additional survivors who share their views regarding the source of the horrific events. Throughout the movie, Shyamalan uses a careful pace to heighten the creepy mood and establish a feeling of ambiguity. The director uses visual signals like rustling leaves and wind patterns to create an ominous atmosphere. The cinematography, together with James Newton Howard's evocative soundtrack, adds to the film's overall feeling of gloom.
The film also delves into the interactions between the main characters, notably Elliot and Alma, as their relationship strains during the crisis. This personal drama adds an emotional dimension to the story, allowing viewers to connect with the characters more deeply.
As the gang faces numerous hurdles and watches the rising damage, Elliot's scientific interest grows. He speaks with other survivors and obtains information in an attempt to piece together the mystery. The movie eventually discloses more about the nature of the airborne threat, relating it to plants that release poisons in response to human encroachment.
In conclusion, "The Happening" is a thought-provoking thriller that combines horror, suspense, and environmental criticism. While the film has garnered mixed reviews, its novel idea, methodical pace, and atmospheric narrative all add to its long-term influence.
FULL RECAP OF THE HAPPENING (2008)
CAST OF "THE HAPPENING (2008)
Mark Wahlberg as Elliot Moore
Zooey Deschanel as Alma Moore
John Leguizamo as Julian
Betty Buckley as Mrs. Jones
Ashlyn Sanchez as Jess
Frank Collison as nursery owner
Victoria Clark as nursery owner
Spencer Breslin as Josh
Robert Bailey, Jr. as Jared
Jeremy Strong as Private Auster
M. Night Shyamalan as Joey (voice only)
Alan Ruck as Principal
Alison Folland as Woman Reading on Bench with Hair Pin
Kristen Connolly as Woman Reading on Bench
Cornell Womack as Construction Foreman
Curtis McClarin as Construction Crew Member
Robert Lenzi as Jake
Derege Harding as Train Conductor
Other Info
Director: M. Night Shyamalan
Writer: M. Night Shyamalan
Release date: June 13, 2008
Countries of origin: United States - India
Filming locations: G-Lodge Diner - 1371 Valley Forge Road, Phoenixville, Pennsylvania, USA
Production companies: Twentieth Century Fox - UTV Motion Pictures - Spyglass Entertainment
Movie Genre: Thriller - Drama - Adventure - Sci-fi
Estimated Budget: $48,000,000
Runtime: 1 hour 31 minutes