M. Night Shyamalan's "Signs" (2002) centers on a former minister, played by Mel Gibson, who lives with his children and brother, Joaquin Phoenix, in the countryside. The reasons behind his departure from ministry become apparent as the story unfolds. When an unusual crop circle appears in their cornfield, they question whether it's a prank or the start of an alien invasion! While the plot involves a possible alien threat, the film’s core theme is faith. Two contrasting perspectives on existence are presented: one suggesting life and the universe are random occurrences where individuals are insignificant, destined to be forgotten; the other proposing there’s an underlying design to the universe, even if currently incomprehensible, containing meaning, love, hope, and purpose. The movie explores the conflict between these opposing viewpoints—a struggle many experience within themselves, representing the clash between desire and reason. Gibson's character embodies this internal battle, having lost his faith and existing in a state of emptiness; his smile often seems forced. Some viewers criticize an apparent plot inconsistency concerning the aliens’ vulnerability, but it appears Shyamalan intentionally included it as a clue to the film's true nature. **(SPOILER ALERT)** It’s possible that these beings aren’t extraterrestrials at all, but rather demons from another realm invading our world to claim victims. The notion of an alien invasion might be a deliberate deception, given that “the devil is the father of lies.” Several details support this interpretation: the spaceships remain unseen, only lights are visible in the sky—a reference to the biblical description of "the prince of the power of the air." The creatures’ appearance is distinctly demonic, with cloven hooves. Their weakness, holy water—typically used by Catholic and Episcopal exorcists—is discovered through ancient methods originating from the Middle East. The daughter, Bo, considered a “gift from God,” possesses an unusual sensitivity to impure water. Her Old Norse name means "to live," and she identifies the essential element needed to defeat the threat. Even the family dog and bird seem possessed. The crop circles are occult symbols, potentially serving as gateways to another dimension; one resembles a pitchfork. When Gibson's character expresses his anger towards God, it’s revealed as an act of faith—a necessary condition for communication with a higher power. Simultaneously, his son recovers from an asthma attack, and news reports indicate the “aliens” are retreating, demonstrating that belief drives away evil forces. Furthermore, there’s evidence suggesting these demons target individuals based on personal guilt and regret; one alien trapped in the vet's pantry seems connected to the remorse felt by both the vet and Gibson’s character after the death of his wife. The apparent plot twist—the aliens’ weakness being water—wasn’t particularly surprising, considering Earth is predominantly water and advanced space travelers would surely be aware of this fact. Moreover, their lack of weaponry and ease of containment raise questions about the scenario's plausibility. Shyamalan concealed a deeper truth: these aren't aliens at all but demonic entities. While it’s possible to view "Signs" as a straightforward science fiction film, interpreting it through a demonic lens offers a compelling understanding that ties into the minister’s journey toward redemption. Appreciation of the movie doesn’t require religious belief. Ultimately, this is a strong Shyamalan film, comparable in quality to “The Sixth Sense” and “The Village.” The film has a running time of 106 minutes and was filmed in Eastern Pennsylvania. GRADE: B+

Source on TMDB