Thank you for posting the article, Mystaria!  I don't recall reading a review of The Village that also discusses the themes of the film, so this was a plus.

SPOILER ALERT!!:

I have to say, although I've watched repeated viewings of this movie, (mostly due to Joaquin, lol) I've always disliked the elders in the story. I find them, cowardly, selfish and in a lot of ways, cultish. The writer of the article, Tim Stevens explains it's a film about authority, parents, and religion and the ending is pessimistic for the society the elders have created with their lies
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He goes on to criticize Adrian Brody's performance as Noah, claiming Shyamalan shouldn't have let a cognitive delayed character play evil. I don't agree and think it's PC nonsense. I believe Night had Noah intellectually delayed to convey this secret 19th century community wasn't absent of problems and that in the "real 21st Century world", his disability could've been treated more effectively and perhaps more humanely.

 I recommend watching The Village, despite many complaining about "the twist". It's an interesting take on human nature and the little love story between Bryce and Joaquin is sweet and effective.

Edited by user Tuesday, February 28, 2023 6:41:18 PM(UTC)  | Reason: Not specified