How do humans respond when “normal” no longer exists? What is the essence of personal nature triggering what is good or evil within us? Are humans basically good or inherently corrupt? What previous experiences form our reaction to danger? To what lengths are we prepared to go to for self-preservation? Or will community turn to mob mentality and “every man for himself?” Whatever the answers given to each question, no one really knows what personal beliefs will come to the surface in any confrontation.
Based on a novella by Stephen King The Mist is everything a science fiction thriller should be. A small northeastern town is struck by a severe storm in the night. The next day, a thick mist envelopes the community. Unbeknown to anyone, a military experiment gone awry succeeds in opening another dimension in the universe. Through the open door come a myriad of awful beasts intent on what they do best: eating flesh. Forty some people have found shelter in a local supermarket. It is here the tale is played out.
Prior relationships dictate how people interact. Inside the store we find residents versus out-of-towners, white versus black, blue collar versus white collar, religious versus unbelievers, pragmatists versus idealists, soldiers versus civilians. David Drayton (Thomas Jane) is at odds with an uncaring neighbor (Andre Braugher) little concerned for the damage a dead tree has caused Jane’s boathouse. Smoothing over their differences for the moment, they find their way to town for supplies. Once the menace begins, Mrs. Carmody (Oscar winner, Marcia Gay Harden) morphs from town “crazy” to apocalyptic preacher, hardening a growing group of followers against anything other than paranoia.
Frank Darabont (director of other King writings: The Shawshank Redemption, The Green Mile) combines his impressive talents with a masthead of brilliant contributors to creature, animation, and special effects design. I have not seen such a realistic depiction of other-worldly creatures on screen: period.
This past weekend I re-watched The Mist with a group of college students visiting with our daughter from Chicago. They had asked if I would recommend something for them all to enjoy together. I have not had such fun in a long time: people screamed, ranted, beat the air with their fists, and involuntarily stood up to register their shock. They talked about the movie and their response to it all weekend long.
A good movie, a good director is honest from beginning to end causing conversation about their craft and their tale. Placated by the normal “happy ending” in American films, it is the last scene which will drive viewers crazy in The Mist. Frank Darabont is smiling somewhere right now. I suspect he got out of his audience exactly what he wanted. “What if?” is a fair question in science fiction. The question makes one wonder if we don’t encounter the extraterrestrial, monsters, and the abnormal every day.
Rated R for profanity, graphic violence, and human bloodletting
I have carried on my own “sociological study” of college students’ reaction to this film. What I wrote above, happens every time. Mark teaches Old Testament for a living.