The Mist (2007)

Based on a story by Stephen King, this film is perhaps one of the most unique horror films I have seen in a long time.

Painter and illustrator David Drayton (Thomas Jane) wakes up one morning to find an overnight storm has - among other things - caused a tree to come right through his studio window, destroying his latest project, a large painting that was to be a book cover for his publisher client.

But this isn’t the worst of the damage. The boathouse at the back of his family’s property has also been completely demolished, this second incident caused by the falling of a tree in his neighbour’s yard. And if his neighbour - out-of-towner lawyer Brent Norton (Andre Braugher) - was a little more civil to him, things would probably be a lot easier. But there is some bad blood between the two of them stemming from an earlier disagreement.

David takes his young son Billy (Nathan Gamble) to the local grocery store to try and get some supplies for the numerous repairs he now has to make. As luck would have it, Brent also needs supplies, and as his car was crushed by another falling tree, David gives him a lift, reluctantly of course.

On the way to the store, they pass a military vehicle going the other way, filled with army personnel. None of them think much of it at the time, but this will soon come to be important, just how much they don’t fully understand.

David Drayton (Thomas Jane) and his son, Billy (Nathan Gamble).

When they arrive at the store, they can’t help noticing a thick mist coming down from the mountains. Once inside the store, they see that the mist is already filling the car park outside, making it virtually impossible to see their vehicle, even in broad daylight.

While they are inside, they hear a man’s voice screaming, “It’s in the mist, something’s in the mist!” A man - bleeding - reaches the doors of the store, ranting and raving about creatures in the mist, saying that one of the townspeople was taken by something not of this world.

At first, he isn’t believed, but when he is pulled back into the mist, the scene descends into panic.

For the remainder of the film - or most of it, anyway - those in the store find themselves confined to the inside of the store, after store manager Ollie (Toby Jones) locks all the external doors, barricading everyone inside (for their protection, of course). As things progress from bad to worse, many will die, and those left alive will be driven mad.

Local shopper Amanda (Laurie Holden).

The situation isn’t helped by local religious conservative - and well-known nutcase - Mrs. Carmody (Marcia Gay Harden) has several shoppers convinced that the Apocalypse has arrived, and that this is God’s punishment on a sinful world. If this was as far as it went, it might not be so bad. But, within the first few hours of confinement in the store, it’s almost Lord of the Flies, or worse, The Wicker Man, with crazed converts calling for blood sacrifice to appease a vengeful God, and put a stop to the madness.

The screenplay - written by frequent King adapter Frank Darabont - is absolutely chilling at every turn. His ability - and indeed King’s - to create terror and threat from something that is for the most part completely unseen is incredible. There are plenty of twists and turns to keep you on the edge of your seat from beginning to end. Some of these were in the original source text, and some were created by Darabont purely for the film version.

Rohn Schmidt’s cinematography is brilliant. There are a handful of scenes that take place in almost total darkness, and these are captured exquisitely. The pacing of shots, and the framing of the various points of action, is perfect not only for the genre, but even in general film terms.

David Drayton (Thomas Jane) and Ollie (Toby Jones) trying to rescue a storeperson under attack.

The production design is also worth mentioning here. Designer Gregory Melton has created a whole world in the grocery store - and in a later sequence, other stores in the same shopping complex - and the attention to detail is very good. The design of all sets and locations exists purely to serve the needs of the film, all of which achieve their aims in spades.

Most of the cast are brilliant in their roles. Of particular note are Harden and Jones, both of whom bring so much reality to their characters, different though they may be. Harden in particular is chilling as the overzealous preacher; viewers will almost certainly rejoice in the eventual breaking down of her arguments (when they come, and they do).

Director Frank Darabont has made quite a good film here. I’ve seen it a few times now, and it still gives me chills every time. Fans of Stephen King who are yet to see this film ought to do their best to watch it soon.

8 out of 10.