Movie Review: The Mist (2007)

This is a movie adaptation of Stephen King's novella of the same name.

A small New England town is plagued by a mysterious fog or mist that rolls into town one day.

A large group of townspeople is shopping at the supermarket when a siren blares and people hear about missing people. One man hears a noise outside, which no one believes until a monstrous tentacle enters the garage and kills a clerk.

The people form three opposing groups: the believers/realists that want to do everything with precautions, the non-believers that believe it's a prank, and the religious zealots that believe it's God's work and, if they pray, God will save them.

The mist pits otherworldly monsters against man and human against human as everyone tries to understand what's really going on.

On the outset, this looks like your standard horror monster movie but it's much more than that, as the movie progresses. The human against human aspect offers terrific drama that is stronger than human against monsters because the creatures are just acting on instinct. The intelligence of man breaks down in the light of self-preservation. I believe this adds a sense of realism, in my opinion.

The acting is terrific and none of the humorous lines detract from the movie.
Everyone does their part very realistically. Just like real life, stressful situations change people and bring out worst in some. You will always have a few stereotypical responses.

David Drayton, the main character, represents the believers/realists that want to do everything with precautions. I don't know Thomas Jane but he's a good lead.

Brent Norton, a black neighbor of , represents the non-believers that thinks it's all a prank, Andre Braugher does a perfect performance.

Mrs. Carmody represents the religious zealots that believe it's God's work and God will save those who are not sinners. Marcia Gay Harden does such a good job that I really wanted to slap her.

Jim Grondin, played by William Sadler, is the easily persuaded character that goes from realist to religious nut.

Jeffrey DeMunn, a familiar actor in many Stephen King movies, is great to see. He plays one of David Drayton's allies.