The Ruins (film)

The Ruins is a 2008 American-Australian horror film directed by Carter Smith and starring Jonathan Tucker, Jena Malone, Shawn Ashmore, Laura Ramsey, and Joe Anderson. It is based on the 2006 novel of the same name by Scott Smith, who also wrote the screenplay.

The film follows a group of American tourists on vacation in Mexico who become trapped on a remote archaeological site overrun by killer vines. The vines, seemingly sentient and capable of mimicking human speech, prevent the group from leaving and slowly begin to torment and kill them. The film explores themes of isolation, paranoia, and the breakdown of human relationships under extreme duress.

The plot centers around Stacy and Jeff, Amy and Eric, and Mathias, who decide to venture off the beaten path to visit Mayan ruins at the urging of Mathias, whose brother has gone missing while visiting them. Upon arriving at the site, they encounter hostile locals who force them up the hill and prevent them from leaving. They soon discover the vines covering the ruins are the source of the locals' fear and are the true threat. As their supplies dwindle and the vines become increasingly aggressive, the group must make increasingly desperate decisions to survive.

The Ruins received mixed reviews upon its release. Some critics praised its intense atmosphere and disturbing visuals, while others criticized its reliance on gore and perceived plot holes. Despite the mixed reception, the film has gained a cult following for its unrelenting suspense and bleak portrayal of human desperation. The film is known for its graphic violence and unsettling depiction of the vines.