Movie Synopsis: M. Night Shyamalan's The Village, with Joaquin Phoenix

The Village

At first glance this late nineteenth century village seems harmonious, idyllic, and close-knit. Virtually perfect. This is not the case however, as all of the community in The Village lives in fear of a race of creatures that resides in the woods surrounding their village. The creatures that threated to spoil the innocence of The Village are called “Those We Don’t Speak Of” by the townspeople. All the villagers share a fear of the evil and foreboding force lurking all around them. Noone is allowed to go into the woods because of the threat of the evil creatures beyond the town border.

Going against the advice of his elders, a questioning and strong-minded boy Lucius Hunt (Joaquin Phoenix) has a strong desire to step beyond the boundaries of the town into the unknown wood. Edward Walker (William Hurt), the town leader, warns Lucius that stepping beyond the borders of the village can put him and the town in great danger. Lucius’ mother, Alice Hunt (Sigourney Weaver) also orders him to stay at home not only to protect himself from the evil that lurks beyond but also to spare himself of the greed and desires that exist in the outside world.

Ivy Walker (Bryce Dallas Howard), a young blind woman with an unusual wisdom beyond her years is as fearless as Lucius. Her courage and gift-like perception are beyond anything Lucius has ever known. Both Lucius and the Noah Percy (Adrien Brody) admire Ivy passionately, but her heart only has room for one of them. Her devotion eventually leads her down a forbidden path where terrifying truths are revealed.

The truce between the Villagers and those beyond is ending and a voyage into the forbidden woods reveals hidden secrets and mysteries.