Subgenre: Natural Horror | Body Horror
Underlying Element: nature monsters | mystery
Director: Carter Smith
Synopsis:
This movie is about a group of friends who went on a spontaneous hike to an ancient Mayan pyramid with a dark and deadly secret that took them by surprise.
Analysis:
The Ruins (2008) is a breath of fresh air in terms of the usual antagonists in horror movies. The fact that it is adapted from a book makes it even more interesting.
From the title alone, viewers might think that this is about some haunted tourist spot. They're in for a shock because there's a mystery as to why the "villain" is the way it is. It's ancient, but the movie doesn't specifically explain if it has extraterrestrial origins or is just a plain evil entity brought to life in vine form.
The mystery also extends toward the end. Did they accidentally bring it to the outside world? It's an interesting idea for a sequel.
Acting-wise, the cast of characters might seem annoying at first, as with any circle of friends in a horror movie. A typical group of friends who experience terrifying scenarios and make bad decisions that lead to their deaths.
When the reality of their situation is brought to light, the characters redeem themselves by being able to snap out of their annoying selves and focus on survival.
Of course, the level of gore is unexpected. It's not just about body snatching but also a bloody mess. And to think that the enemy is not even human is the scariest part.
Surely, no one would ever dare visit uncharted ancient sites after this.
Enjoyed the quick review?
Love this movie, one of my favourite horror films. The scene where the one woman mutilates herself trying to remove the vines of the plant inside her still gets to me.