Review of The Ruins (2008) by Timothy S — 02 Jun 2011

I have to admit that on paper, "The Ruins" might have seemed like a preposterous idea for a movie. I can imagine the pitch the filmmakers had to sell to the studio. But the film will make you a believer in record time, as it did me, and you will be pulled into this story head first. It's definitely the most unique horror film I've seen in quite some time but it's told in such an unflinching, convincing way and I bought into it. First-time director Carter Smith has all of the makings of a major talent to watch, as his debut feature is precisely plotted, tense and well acted by the mostly unknown cast. Newcomer Jonathan Tucker is commanding and believable in the lead role, and co-star Jena Malone and Laura Ramsey are both beautiful and talented as well.

Everything about the film, including the performances, fell authentic and Smith allows the action to unfold at a natural pace. He doesn't play all of his cards too soon, and that keeps you watching even when you want to turn away. I'm pretty jaded, but there are times during this that I wanted to run screaming from the theater. You're so captivated by whats going on that you simply can't look away no matter how badly you may want to.

The special effects are disturbingly realistic, and they help to make this anything but another routine horror flick. I loved it right down to it's gripping, pessimistic ending that remains true to the rest of the film. "The Ruins" is a riveting, grueling movie in search of an audience to appreciate it as much as I did.