The Mist

The Mist is Frank Darabont first directorial effort since The Majestic. After the success of his earlier films The Shawshank Redemption and The Green Mile, the Majestic was a failure critically and commercially. The Mist, a horror with a seventies b-movie style, his third adaptation of Steven King material sees Darabont return to form.

As the film begins we are introduced to artist Dave Drayton (Thomas Jane) and his family. As night falls a storm hits their little town in Maine. The following morning as an ominous Mist closes in on the town Drayton, his son and his neighbour head into town to get supplies. By saying more we would run the risk of giving away to much. Which would be a really pity, this is a film where the less you know going in the better.

Suffice to say that The Mist is well worth the trip to the cinema. Strangely for a horror it is observing how the characters react to the pressure they are put under rather than the action itself that makes this film so great. The ensemble cast is excellent here with some great performances. Particularly from Marcia Gay Harden and Toby Jones. Even Thomas Jane, though an actor of limited ability, gives a solid performance in the lead role.

The action though is also great, with some excellent CGI. Despite its 126 minute running time, it doesn’t seem like a long film as Darabont keeps us enthralled throughout. Go enjoy!

4/5