The Ruins

THE RUINS
Starring: Jonathan Tucker, Jena Malone, Shawn Ashmore, and Laura Ramsey
Directed by: Carter Smith

Style: Survival creature feature
Blood and Guts: 3
Fright Factor: 3
Laugh Factor: 0
Weapons of choice: Vines, natives
Overall rating: 4 out of 5

You would think that, by now, college students on vacation would learn to never deviate off the beaten path to go sightseeing. However, the quartet of characters, accompanying a man they meet randomly at their hotel, do just that. Upon exploring this uncharted Mayan temple, they quickly discover that the natives will not let them leave. Trapped atop the pyramid with little hope of rescue, their lives are also in danger of falling victim to the temple's inhabitant: vines with a thirst for blood.

When I first saw the marketing campaign for this film, I dismissed it as a cheap horror offering hoping to make a quick buck. However, I learned that the source material, a novel of the same name, was considered absolutely frightening, and despite the uninspiring trailer, I decided to give the movie a try. In retrospect, I am glad I did, as this film is very slickly executed from beginning to end.

Considering the characters are trapped on top of the temple, occasionally venturing into the temple through a hole in its roof, the suspense factor is limited to a few key moments, though when they come they are well utilized. Instead, much of the film is driven by their struggle to escape. Tempers flair, and character is tested. Soon, their own will is as much their enemy as the vines. It is here that the acting talent of the cast shines. The audience can actually relate to everyone trapped in the situation, humanizing them rather than treating them as meat ready for slaughter.

The violence in the film can be a bit graphic at times, but it never feels excessive. Instead, it is directly tied to the horror of the situation, which is what differentiates this from the standard gore fest that sometimes passes for a horror film. The kill when the party first arrives is a bit much, but it serves more as a sign that everything has gone to pot in a split second. Overall, all of the effects feel natural rather than being the hack CGI effort the film could have become.

Overall, I really enjoyed how this movie toys with us as the audience. It uses some cliches, but uses them in such a way that it pushes all of our buttons and pulls us into the story. There are few answers about the reasons for the killer vines, but the movie is good enough that it doesn't matter. The events that happen to the characters take center stage, and their acting and commitment to the story are what holds our interest.