The Ruins (2008)

5.9R90 min

2008 film by Carter Smith

The Ruins is a 2008 natural horror film directed by Carter Smith in his feature film directorial debut, and written by Scott B. Smith, based on his 2006 novel of the same name. The film stars Jonathan Tucker, Jena Malone, Shawn Ashmore, Laura Ramsey, and Joe Anderson. The story follows a pair of couples on vacation in Mexico, who join a tourist to visit a remote Mayan ruin inhabited by a carnivorous vine growth. Stuart Cornfeld, Jeremy Kramer, and Chris Bender produce, with Ben Stiller serving as an executive producer.

The Ruins was released by DreamWorks/Paramount Distribution on 4 April 2008. The film received mixed reviews from critics, and was a box-office bomb; only earning $22.9 million at the worldwide box office against a budget of $25 million.

Plot summary adapted from Wikipedia, licensed under CC BY-SA 4.0.

FAQ

What is The Ruins about?
The Ruins (2008) — A leisurely Mexican holiday takes a turn for the worse when a group of friends and a fellow tourist embark on a remote archaeological dig in the jungle, where something evil lives among the ruins.
Is The Ruins based on a true story?
See the production background and source material details on the official Wikipedia article.
Is The Ruins scary?
Content rating: R. See the reviews tab for parental guidance and tone notes.