The Happening (2008) is an M. Night Shyamalan gem that I recently rewatched on HBOMAX. The storyline follows a Philadelphia teacher who sees a viral outbreak on television that causes people to kill themselves. He tries to get his family out of the area and to safety. Complicating matters is that he and his wife haven't been on good terms and may be getting a divorce if life as we know it continues. As they plan their escape they start identifying theories on what's happening and why. Could the Earth finally be sick of the human race and trying to escape is a waste of time?

As previously referenced this picture is directed by M. Night Shyamalan (Sixth Sense) and stars Mark Wahlberg (The Departed), Zooey Deschanel (500 Days of Summer), John Leguizamo (Spawn), Betty Buckley (Carrie), Jeremy Strong (Succession), Alan Ruck (Succession) and Kristen Connolly (The Cabin in the Woods).

I may be in the minority but I really enjoyed this concept and how it was executed. I always have since the first time I saw this picture. The opening scene in the park is great and sets off the circumstances well as does the construction site sequence. There are lots of random acts of violence and decent gore that made this enjoyable and intense. The Lion scene, the old lady at the house, the porch sequence, all outstanding. The virus in the air and seeing people react to it was interesting the entire picture. Wahlberg also delivered his character to perfection.

Overall, this movie isn't perfect, but it's entertaining, worth a viewing and definitely under appreciated. I would score this a 7.5-8/10 and strongly recommend it.