The fourth chiller from writer-director M Night Shyamalan, starring Joaquin Phoenix, Adrien Brody, William Hurt, Sigourney Weaver and big-screen newcomer, Bryce Dallas Howard.

It's 1890s Pennsylvania, and the inhabitants of the isolated village of Covington (population 60) live a simple and happy existence - but they dare not walk into the woods.

Because here be monsters - terrifying, mystical, mythical creatures known simply as "Those We Do Not Speak Of..."

So the rhythm and balance of life is maintained - the villagers do not enter the woods and the creatures stay out of the village.... well, at least they did.

Because something in this rural idyll has changed, forcing the creatures to break the truce.

It's nicely acted, beautifully shot (in Chester County, Pennsylvania actually) and - as this is an M Night at the movies - of course comes with a twist or two.

The excellent Bryce Dallas Howard gets the chance to pull out all the stops as a blind girl whom Fate forces to enter the woods - a Little Yellow Riding Hood unable to see the big bad (red) wolf.

On the way out of the cinema the audience I sat with seemed split - they either loved it or hated it. Either way, you need to be able to make up your own mind.

And love him or hate him, I really believe that the movie landscape here in the early 21st century is a lot more exciting with a Shyamalan makeover every couple of years.

Like his previous movies, this one comes with the usual warning - be very careful about who you speak to and which reviews you read.

Anyone you know - or any movie reviewer you read - who gives away the plot of The Village should be relegated in your life to "Those We Do Not Speak Of..."

Mike Taylor