We’ve Sensed It. We’ve Seen The Signs. Now… It’s Happening.|Jun. 11, 2008|USA|91 Min.|R
Genre: Science;Fiction;Thriller
Description: In the 2008 film *The Happening*, chaos ensues in New York City’s Central Park as people inexplicably begin taking their own lives. Initially suspected to be the result of a bio-terrorist attack involving a neurotoxin, the phenomenon rapidly spreads across the northeastern United States. Elliot Moore, a high school science teacher, and his wife Alma decide to flee Philadelphia with their friend Julian, a mathematician, and his daughter Jess. As they travel by train, they learn that Boston and Philadelphia have also been struck by the mysterious event. The train loses communication and halts in a small town, where Julian leaves to search for his wife in Princeton, leaving Jess in the care of the Moores. Upon arriving in Princeton, Julian discovers the town is affected and tragically succumbs to the toxin.
Elliot, Alma, and Jess continue their journey with a nurseryman and his wife, who propose a theory: plants may have developed a defense mechanism releasing an airborne toxin that drives humans to suicide. As they encounter other survivors, the group avoids populated areas, believing the plants target larger crowds. When a larger group is affected, Elliot suggests breaking into smaller units to avoid detection. They are later joined by two teenage boys, Josh and Jared, but tragedy strikes when Elliot tries to negotiate with hostile residents at a barricaded house.
The trio eventually finds shelter with Mrs. Jones, an eccentric and paranoid elderly woman. Although she initially allows them to stay, her mistrust leads her to expel them the next morning. While leaving the house alone, she is affected by the toxin, prompting Elliot to realize the plants are now targeting individuals. As they continue their uncertain journey, the group struggles to survive in a world where nature itself has turned against humanity.
Cast director: M. Night Shyamalan
Cast actor: Mark Wahlberg, Zooey Deschanel, John Leguizamo, Betty Buckley, Ashlyn Sanchez, Jeremy Strong, Spencer Breslin, Robert Bailey Jr., Frank Collison, Alan Ruck
Original name: The Happening