THE RUINS is out on
DVD in the U.K. today, we wanted to give it some coverage as it's a title that has contiounsly generated discussion here at OWF. Ray has kindly reviewed the DVD for us
which is also available on Region Free Blu-Ray!!
The marketing department of Dreamworks repeatedly touted
THE RUINS as a horror film, but they really missed the boat. The film, based on a creepy 2006 novel by
Scott Smith (who also wrote the screenplay), is more like a survival drama with fantastical elements included. Like
PAN'S LABYRINTH, this film uses horror elements to examine human survival instincts and dramatic themes, rather than simply to titillate.
THE FILMTHE RUINS opens on two couples vacationing in South America. They meet a nice German man who is preparing to visit his archaeologist brother at a Mayan ruin deep in the jungle. Not wanting to spend their entire trip lounging at the pool, the two couples accept his invitation to join him on his expedition. Once there, they discover that the ruin is covered by a beautiful, deadly, and sentient vine that seems to crave blood. Trapped on the top of the ruin by the local Mayan people - who want to hold them quarantined there to contain any infection - the young people fight for survival against the creeping advance of this nightmarish predator.
Much of the credit for the film's successful tone goes to the script, which generally follows a believable train of logical development. The tension ramps up nicely, building toward the inevitable conclusion with considerable skill. Additionally, much of the mystery of the vines is left ot the audience to solve or understand through available clues or through the beats of the story, which is a nice change in a film of this sort. One terrific idea - that the vines can mimic their prey through a rudimentary whistle from the flowers on the vine - is unveiled masterfully through a long series of carefully constructed scenes. Credit also goes to the cast, which is uniformly terrific. Each actor carves out a distinct personality, and each one goes through their own believable arc during the events of the film. Particularly good is
Jena Malone as Amy; she starts off as a whining brat, but she transforms into a steely warrior during the course of their siege. First time director
Carter Smith and cinematographer
Darius Condji build the action well, and the shots they conjure together in broad daylight are searing and unflinching. There is a palpable evil in the background of all of the shots, adding to the inescapable tension. A remarkable first effort for Smith. The highly-touted gore effects are as stomach-turning as promised, but all of them come in service to the story. This is not simply a film about a nasty vine that kills people. Rather, it is a story about how far humans will go when faced with a life-or-death situation. The copious blood spilled here come from situations like emergency amputations performed in primitive circumstances. This is not stupid gore like the
FRIDAY THE 13th or
LEPRECHAUN. This film uses the tremendous gore to punctuate the desperate odds facing these young people, and they react in believable and startling ways. It's uncomfortable to watch, but vital to the story being told. This is one of the better thrillers of the year. Bravo to everyone everyone involved.
EXTRAS There are a few wonderful behind the scenes docs on this disc. Most fascinating are the ones that look at the shooting of the film with the director and D.P., as well as the extensive makeup effects used in the film. Excellent package for this film!!
OVERALL If you can stomach gore or love a good horror/thriller, then this movie is an excellent choice. However, if you also want to see a skillful drama about people being pushed to the very edge of survival, this movie is a must see. Just a terrific little gem.