For over two decades, fans of M. Night Shyamalan's Signs have been locked in a fierce debate: are the film's invading creatures actually extraterrestrials, or are they something far more sinister—like demons? The 2002 sci-fi thriller, starring Mel Gibson as a grieving former pastor, has inspired countless theories, but Shyamalan himself has now stepped in to settle the matter.
During a recent conversation at Beyond Fest, the director was asked point-blank about the popular interpretation. His answer was refreshingly straightforward: "Yeah, for me, they're aliens." But he didn't dismiss the theory entirely. In fact, he understands exactly why so many viewers have connected the dots to something spiritual.
Why the demon theory took hold
It's easy to see where the speculation comes from. Signs is drenched in religious imagery, from Graham's crisis of faith after his wife's death to the film's climactic showdown. The creatures' infamous weakness—water—has long been interpreted by some as a nod to holy water, suggesting a demonic rather than alien nature. The idea gained so much traction that it became one of the most enduring fan theories in Shyamalan's filmography.
Shyamalan acknowledges that the movie deliberately blurs the line between science fiction and spirituality. "The movie is full of this kind of taking a science-fiction premise and overlaying spirituality and the loss of faith on it," he explained. "And that there is a larger, binding force that even includes aliens." For him, the two interpretations aren't mutually exclusive—they're woven together intentionally.
A career-long fascination with faith
Faith has always been a central theme in Shyamalan's work, whether it's the belief in superheroes in Unbreakable or the apocalyptic conviction in his Unbreakable universe. The director credits his early love of Steven Spielberg for shaping his approach. "Spielberg so much made me believe as a kid in things I can't see, that wonder, hitting the wonder button in me, which is so close to faith in a religious sense," he said. That sense of wonder, he adds, is almost indistinguishable from religious faith—and he's wary of dissecting it too much.
For fans who've spent years arguing over the true nature of Signs, Shyamalan's confirmation may finally put the debate to rest. But it also serves as a reminder of why his films continue to spark conversation: they operate on multiple levels, inviting both literal and symbolic readings.
If you're in the mood to revisit the film with fresh eyes, Signs is currently streaming on Peacock. And for more on Shyamalan's ever-evolving career, keep an eye on his thoughts on The Village and beyond.
