Warning.

I have included some screen captures from this film which depict scenes of a violent nature. Please be aware of this before reading and scrolling down the page. XoD.

"The Ruins" is similar to several other recent releases ("The Mist" and "Cloverfield".) in so far as it is rather bleak and unrelenting. Unlike so many mainstream US products, "The Ruins" tackles the subject of people facing death in a credible fashion. There is panic, denial, and a refusal to face facts. Despite these down beat qualities, the film is both gripping and genuinely scary.

Two couples on holiday in Mexico meet up with a German Tourist, who is on his way to meet his archaeologist brother, who has recently discover a new Mayan ruin. Taking the opportunity to see some of the countries heritage first hand, they head off in to the jungle. On arrival they find a Mayan pyramid covered in vines and creepers. It would appear that the locals are not to happy with them trespassing and they find themselves herded at gun point in to the ruins. It soon becomes apparent that the ancient temple harbours a deadly secret and that the siege outside is the least of their problems.

Author Scott Smith has adapted his own novel in to a screen play that effectively depicts American middle class twenty somethings. The characters are well defined and not as unlikeable as you would expect. Trainee doctor Jeff (Jonathan Tucker)is by far the most sympathetic character who keeps his head while his colleagues fail to grasp their situation. Director Carter Smith builds tension and takes a traditional approach to revealing the main protagonist. There is also only a minimal explanation as to the its origins. He does, however, not hold back the shocks, particularly in the unrated US DVD version. One scene rivals "Misery" for leg related trauma.

"The Ruins" despite its modern setting owes a lot to such films as "The Day Of The Triffids", "Invasion Of The Body Snatchers" and "The Descent". It plays on primeval fears of isolation, hidden predators and the alien and abstract nature of plants. The film benefits from a very subtle score that avoids punctuating the shocks and therefore making them melodramatic. The plausible characters behave as they should. The most intelligent and sympathetic martyr themselves to save their less worthy friends. Although by the end the plot has to proceed down a somewhat formulaic route, this is still a rewarding and shocking film. As I've said so many times, these sort of movies seldom emerge from the corporate system these days.

Watch "The Ruins" late at night in a darkened room. Just ensure that your not sitting next to any pot plants.

XoD.