Film Theory: The Aliens In Signs Aren't What They Seem...

Returning to the demonic representation of the aliens, Ray Reddy’s encounter with one of the creatures is a poignant argument for their hellish nature.

Obviously burdened with guilt from falling asleep at the wheel and killing Colleen Hess, Ray is literally put face to face with his inner demon - but instead of giving in to it or getting rid of it, he simply locks it in his pantry and drives away. It’s symbolic of his reluctance to face his fears and deal with the aftermath of his actions, just as he had Graham’s number written down but never once called him in the months since Colleen’s death.

Upon seeing Graham at his house before he leaves, he speaks of “the end of the world”, and states that “people who kill reverends’ wives aren’t exactly ushered to the front of the line in Heaven.” The presence of these manifested demons haunting those who are suffering inspires his religious internal reflection, the very reason they have been sent to harvest souls in the first place.

Just like the bird falling from the sky, as mentioned earlier, this apocalyptic vision of the Earth might not exactly be the end of days - but representative of the end of Graham’s faith. When he finds it once more at the end, balance is restored: it’s his story, after all.