Under the Mountain (2009)

Cast: Sophie McBride, Tom Cameron, Sam Neill, Matt Gillanders, Matthew Chamberlain

Director: Jonathan King

Rating: PG13

Running Time: 91 min.

Synopsis: A brother and sister are chosen for a magical mission in this upbeat fantasy. Rachel (Sophie McBride) and Theo (Thomas Cameron) are twin siblings in their early teens with a special gift -- they can speak to one another without talking through telepathy. However, while Rachel is fascinated with this unusual talent, Theo is wary and avoids using it. After their mother dies under mysterious circumstances, Rachel and Theo are sent to live with an aunt and uncle in Auckland, where Theo becomes all the more determined not to abuse his supernatural powers. However, both siblings are fascinated by a strange old house not far from their new home, and when they sneak inside to get a closer look, they discover it's home to a handful of zombie-like beings living in a swampy pit. The day after, as Rachel and Theo try to figure out what they've found, they encounter Jones (Sam Neill), a centuries-old wizard who believes the twins have special powers that can defeat the dangerous creatures lurking in the old house once and for all. Adapted from a book for young people by Maurice Gee, Under The Mountain was an official selection at the 2009 Toronto Film Festival.