I’d just like to tune in to my favourite movie of all times.
The reason why I believe this movie is so underrated is because of two things; the director’s perceived failures and wins; and (most likely) the categorisation of the movie under ‘horror’ or even ‘thriller’.
I’d put this movie under drama & romance. There’s great acting, amazing writing, secrecy, thrilling romance in multiple story lines and heroism. The “horror” is only a small part of it and people are (justifiably) disappointed because of it.
It also explores psychological aspect such as loneliness, peer pressure, isolation and prejudice, which is a layer of depth you won’t find easily in other thriller movies.
No matter how much I love this movie, including its great lines and great acting, I’m not a fan of M Night Shyamalan, considering any movies he made after this one just sucked and didn’t make sense whatsoever.
But this one makes sense because it’s deeply romantic, interesting from a societal point of view and he just happened to cast amazing people (including William Hurt and Joaquin Phoenix).