People, The

This at once sensitive and subtly chilling science fiction fantasy tells the story of Melodye Amerson, an idealistic young woman who comes to a rural village to teach school. Melodye is not a by-the-book educator. She believes in giving children enough freedom to explore the world around them and within them. At the same time, Melodye is looking for her place in the world. She has abandoned her previous life because, as she explains, "I’ll have time to figure me out" and "I can use a little peace and quiet." What she is destined to find in this hamlet is something else altogether. To begin with, the townsfolk all are more than a bit strange. They seem curiously spiritless and are offended by the fact that Melodye is pretty. They never smile. Nor do they ever travel out of the valley in which they live. They dress unappealingly. Playing sports and singing songs, reading a fashion magazine and watching television are taboo. What’s more, they are immune to many diseases. As Melodye spends time among them she begins observing the most unusual and otherworldly gravity-defying sights, none of which can be logically explained. Who exactly are these people? Where do they come from? What are they doing in the valley? What strange gifts do they have? Finally, what effect will Melodye have on them and how will they change her? (texte officiel du distributeur)