332 reviews
Mediocre Adaptation of a Great Horror Novel
I have often thought of this novel since consuming the audiobook in a couple days last year. I've recommended it to a lot of fellow horror readers, too. I personally feel that the film adaptation falls incredibly short of what it could have been. The novel is beautifully crafted with suspense and character development, whereas the movie offers 2D characters that are simply there just because. Their faces remain blank the majority of the movie and their line delivery is flat and almost always as if they're bored talking.
In true Shyamalan fashion, (yes, it's M. Night's daughter who directed it, but the apple doesn't fall far from the tree), the twist is a huge moment. While it does get revealed, it also changes a huge part of the original ending of the book, which makes the overall story even more of a 2D "horror twist." The book's ending gave me chills; the movie's ending gave me cliché horror.
I will say, I was eager to see who would play the character of Madeline, as she is such a force in the book as the most interesting character, as well as the one who has been trapped in the forest the longest, and Olwen Fouéré portrays her beautifully. The overall set design and atmosphere of the film is also done well, which helps but also makes the movie's poor script and characters feel all the more disappointing at times.
While I won't actively encourage not seeing this movie, I DO encourage you to check out the book, by A. M. Shine. I'm also happy that an author whose work I appreciate it getting the attention of Hollywood to have his work made into a different media form - let's hope if his other works become film or television adaptations, that they'll be given the adaptation they deserve.
In true Shyamalan fashion, (yes, it's M. Night's daughter who directed it, but the apple doesn't fall far from the tree), the twist is a huge moment. While it does get revealed, it also changes a huge part of the original ending of the book, which makes the overall story even more of a 2D "horror twist." The book's ending gave me chills; the movie's ending gave me cliché horror.
I will say, I was eager to see who would play the character of Madeline, as she is such a force in the book as the most interesting character, as well as the one who has been trapped in the forest the longest, and Olwen Fouéré portrays her beautifully. The overall set design and atmosphere of the film is also done well, which helps but also makes the movie's poor script and characters feel all the more disappointing at times.
While I won't actively encourage not seeing this movie, I DO encourage you to check out the book, by A. M. Shine. I'm also happy that an author whose work I appreciate it getting the attention of Hollywood to have his work made into a different media form - let's hope if his other works become film or television adaptations, that they'll be given the adaptation they deserve.
- chloehedrick
- Jun 6, 2024
- Permalink
It's got spooky woods, but a let down in every other way
- alxmrg-878-777286
- Sep 2, 2024
- Permalink
Cool Concept But...
"The Watchers" provides an interesting premise at face value. Horror movies that involve a twist on folk stories accompanied with an eerie location usually pair well together and in this case, it does.
Ishana Night Shyamalan's directorial debut is one to be proud of. You can clearly see sprinkles of her father's style imbedded in the film but also boasts her own unique vision.
In regards to the plot, the story is interesting enough to keep you invested throughout the duration. It reveals just enough to ask questions but not enough to give them away.
The design of the "Watchers" is the highlight of the film. Without spoiling too much, every time they were on screen I was fully engrossed. Enough was shown of them that made me wanting to see more.
The worst unfortunately, are the characters which were one dimensional and lacking realism. They acted in ways no human would in this situation, especially the lead. A good horror movie requires realistic and likeable characters to vouch for. "The Watchers" struggled to create such.
As most horrors unfortunately do, "The Watchers" does have some moments that I found a bit silly. Moments where you ask yourself "why would she do that" or "why did that happen like that". Such moments didn't help the film.
I was skeptical towards the beginning on the film, thinking that it would meander in its plot and ultimately be repetitive. However, as the film progressed and its locations changed it kept the story fresh and wanting more. The ending boarded on lacklustre however, I didn't mind that it didn't get too ridiculous and over the top. Felt more realistic and poignant.
Overall, a decent debut film that highlighted a fresh look at folk-lore. The frustrating characters and some silly moments did prevent it from being great. 6.4/10 for me.
Ishana Night Shyamalan's directorial debut is one to be proud of. You can clearly see sprinkles of her father's style imbedded in the film but also boasts her own unique vision.
In regards to the plot, the story is interesting enough to keep you invested throughout the duration. It reveals just enough to ask questions but not enough to give them away.
The design of the "Watchers" is the highlight of the film. Without spoiling too much, every time they were on screen I was fully engrossed. Enough was shown of them that made me wanting to see more.
The worst unfortunately, are the characters which were one dimensional and lacking realism. They acted in ways no human would in this situation, especially the lead. A good horror movie requires realistic and likeable characters to vouch for. "The Watchers" struggled to create such.
As most horrors unfortunately do, "The Watchers" does have some moments that I found a bit silly. Moments where you ask yourself "why would she do that" or "why did that happen like that". Such moments didn't help the film.
I was skeptical towards the beginning on the film, thinking that it would meander in its plot and ultimately be repetitive. However, as the film progressed and its locations changed it kept the story fresh and wanting more. The ending boarded on lacklustre however, I didn't mind that it didn't get too ridiculous and over the top. Felt more realistic and poignant.
Overall, a decent debut film that highlighted a fresh look at folk-lore. The frustrating characters and some silly moments did prevent it from being great. 6.4/10 for me.
6.5/10
The Watchers is a fun movie to watch with friends. I feel that a common problem people now have about movies is that you think that if it is not a cinematic masterpiece it's a terrible movie.
The acting wasn't great but not bad. I felt the leads were pretty good to.
The story was actually a good idea and I liked that part as well.
Overall scare was really just an meh. Not scary at all to me. It was more of a thriller than a horror. I was hoping to be scared but I wasn't. I would say the scare was equal to A Quiet Place.
I would actually recommend this movie. It was fun and i was intrigued the whole film.
The acting wasn't great but not bad. I felt the leads were pretty good to.
The story was actually a good idea and I liked that part as well.
Overall scare was really just an meh. Not scary at all to me. It was more of a thriller than a horror. I was hoping to be scared but I wasn't. I would say the scare was equal to A Quiet Place.
I would actually recommend this movie. It was fun and i was intrigued the whole film.
- annaelundwall
- Jun 7, 2024
- Permalink
It's not a bad movie, I actually liked it
I enjoy movies with a good story and rich world-building. Although I'd rate this movie a 6/10, I still liked and enjoyed watching it. It's a thriller and mystery that kept me hooked as I wanted to uncover each mystery. The creatures were terrifying, I wouldn't want to come across one of those.
I do agree with some of the reviews that I found some of the characters odd, and no one normal would act the way they did if they were in such a situation.
One thing that could have made a big impact is adding a bit of romance at the end-you'll understand when you watch it. Overall, it's not a mind-blowing story, but I enjoyed it.
I do agree with some of the reviews that I found some of the characters odd, and no one normal would act the way they did if they were in such a situation.
One thing that could have made a big impact is adding a bit of romance at the end-you'll understand when you watch it. Overall, it's not a mind-blowing story, but I enjoyed it.
A Frustrating Waste of an Intriguing Set Up
While Ishana Night Shyamalan absolutely is her own filmmaker, and should her films judged on their own merits, The Watchers reminded me a lot of her fathers works in the ways that I usually find his films frustrating. I'm going to try my best not to keep comparing this to M. Night's movies but in particular The Watchers reminded me a lot of The Village and the issues I have with that film and I think I'd still feel that way with or without the familial connection.
Because like The Village, The Watchers has a very intriguing hook that presents a lot of interesting story possibilities very early on but it never capitalises on them in any satisfying way. The dialogue is really weak here and it's frequently delivered in extremely wooden ways which most rears its head in the exposition. Because Shyamalan clearly doesn't believe in the less-is-more approach in that she feels the need to over explain everything and as a result the mystery never really feels that intriguing. Most of the reveals come across as very flat that feel like they lack sufficient build up to be satisfying.
It's also very repetitive for most of the first 2 acts with it essentially following the same stricture of leaving this house and returning to it before night fall and it just came across as tiring rather tension-building. The reveals don't really feel earned and they're the one thing I wanted the film to explore more but the script really feels like it strikes the worst balance with what it chooses to focus on. The 3rd act was also a pretty big disappointment. The main action that's being built up for the entire film is achieved in a fairly standard way that doesn't feel fitting for what was being set up and it makes the mistake of feeling like it's getting ready to end only to go on for what felt like another 30 minutes.
Thankfully what saves the film from being a complete waste of time is the truly impressive filmmaking on display. It's gorgeously shot and visually ambitious in a way that feels like it could only come from a first-time director. I thought the score was phenomenal as was the cinematography in a way that didn't feel like it was drawing too much attention to itself. There are some very effective scares and genuine scenes of tension, unfortunately it was just never sustained enough to keep my interest. It's the script that ultimately sunk this movie for me but it's very clear that Ishana Night Shyamalan has real talent behind the camera.
The Watchers was frustrating waste of potential for me and something that never really felt like it capitalised on its intriguing set up. It's just reeks of a script that doesn't trust the intelligence of it's audience and I was just so consistently irritated at how the film kept going out of it's way to explain things in the most clunky and unimaginative ways possible. I can see what Shyamalan was going for, and if anything it makes more interested to read the novel, but her very clear talents just end up being wasted on a really poor script.
Because like The Village, The Watchers has a very intriguing hook that presents a lot of interesting story possibilities very early on but it never capitalises on them in any satisfying way. The dialogue is really weak here and it's frequently delivered in extremely wooden ways which most rears its head in the exposition. Because Shyamalan clearly doesn't believe in the less-is-more approach in that she feels the need to over explain everything and as a result the mystery never really feels that intriguing. Most of the reveals come across as very flat that feel like they lack sufficient build up to be satisfying.
It's also very repetitive for most of the first 2 acts with it essentially following the same stricture of leaving this house and returning to it before night fall and it just came across as tiring rather tension-building. The reveals don't really feel earned and they're the one thing I wanted the film to explore more but the script really feels like it strikes the worst balance with what it chooses to focus on. The 3rd act was also a pretty big disappointment. The main action that's being built up for the entire film is achieved in a fairly standard way that doesn't feel fitting for what was being set up and it makes the mistake of feeling like it's getting ready to end only to go on for what felt like another 30 minutes.
Thankfully what saves the film from being a complete waste of time is the truly impressive filmmaking on display. It's gorgeously shot and visually ambitious in a way that feels like it could only come from a first-time director. I thought the score was phenomenal as was the cinematography in a way that didn't feel like it was drawing too much attention to itself. There are some very effective scares and genuine scenes of tension, unfortunately it was just never sustained enough to keep my interest. It's the script that ultimately sunk this movie for me but it's very clear that Ishana Night Shyamalan has real talent behind the camera.
The Watchers was frustrating waste of potential for me and something that never really felt like it capitalised on its intriguing set up. It's just reeks of a script that doesn't trust the intelligence of it's audience and I was just so consistently irritated at how the film kept going out of it's way to explain things in the most clunky and unimaginative ways possible. I can see what Shyamalan was going for, and if anything it makes more interested to read the novel, but her very clear talents just end up being wasted on a really poor script.
- cdjh-81125
- Jun 6, 2024
- Permalink
The Watchers are watching.
- theffachrif
- Jul 2, 2024
- Permalink
The Wretched.
The Watched was written and directed by Ishana Shyamalan, daughter of M. Night Shyamalan; I doubt the film would have ever been made if daddy hadn't produced it. The script is absolutely terrible, full of flaws and lapses of logic.
Dakota Fanning plays Mina, who becomes lost in a strange forest where she finds shelter in a glass-fronted building occupied by three other people; there, she is informed that she and her new acquaintances are exhibits, to be gawped at during the night by creatures that live underground during the day.
Here are just some of the things that annoyed me about the film...
When Mina found herself driving down a dirt track that clearly wasn't going anywhere, why didn't she turn around and try to find a new route?
What did the people in 'the coop' use for toilet paper?
How did they keep themselves clean with no washing facilities? Did they wear the same underwear every day?
Did they have plates and cutlery?
If Daniel had been there for eight months, how did he keep his hair so short?
Where did they all sleep? There was only one bed. And when did they sleep? During the night, when the watchers were spying on them? I thought they had to keep the watchers entertained during the night...
Where did Daniel get the huge length of cable needed to connect the camera to the television? And are we expected to believe that the camera came with still functioning batteries?
Where did Daniel and Mina get that long length of rope from?
If it's possible to successfully hide from the watchers under some branches, why not build such hideouts beyond the points of no return, thus making escape more likely?
Who was keeping the generator topped up with fuel? Did no-one question where the power source was hidden?
Would a university really leave a professor's room untouched for over thirty years?
And as for the building of 'the coop', this made no sense whatsoever. Where did the professor live while it was being built? How did he leave the forest to find more construction workers? Did no-one become suspicious about all of the missing builders? And why did he have the coop fitted with a massive one-way mirror if he was going to spend most of his time in the bunker?
The whole time I was watching the film, I was thinking to myself 'How could this get any worse?', and then it did.
1/10. Let's hope there are no more Shyamalan nepo babies in the woodwork.
Dakota Fanning plays Mina, who becomes lost in a strange forest where she finds shelter in a glass-fronted building occupied by three other people; there, she is informed that she and her new acquaintances are exhibits, to be gawped at during the night by creatures that live underground during the day.
Here are just some of the things that annoyed me about the film...
When Mina found herself driving down a dirt track that clearly wasn't going anywhere, why didn't she turn around and try to find a new route?
What did the people in 'the coop' use for toilet paper?
How did they keep themselves clean with no washing facilities? Did they wear the same underwear every day?
Did they have plates and cutlery?
If Daniel had been there for eight months, how did he keep his hair so short?
Where did they all sleep? There was only one bed. And when did they sleep? During the night, when the watchers were spying on them? I thought they had to keep the watchers entertained during the night...
Where did Daniel get the huge length of cable needed to connect the camera to the television? And are we expected to believe that the camera came with still functioning batteries?
Where did Daniel and Mina get that long length of rope from?
If it's possible to successfully hide from the watchers under some branches, why not build such hideouts beyond the points of no return, thus making escape more likely?
Who was keeping the generator topped up with fuel? Did no-one question where the power source was hidden?
Would a university really leave a professor's room untouched for over thirty years?
And as for the building of 'the coop', this made no sense whatsoever. Where did the professor live while it was being built? How did he leave the forest to find more construction workers? Did no-one become suspicious about all of the missing builders? And why did he have the coop fitted with a massive one-way mirror if he was going to spend most of his time in the bunker?
The whole time I was watching the film, I was thinking to myself 'How could this get any worse?', and then it did.
1/10. Let's hope there are no more Shyamalan nepo babies in the woodwork.
- BA_Harrison
- Jun 6, 2024
- Permalink
Good atmospheric horror movie for everyone
Many movie critics are predictable. Shyamalan's daughter has an approach to filmmaking and storytelling not different from the father and in fact the movie is received with mild reviews :)
But honestly I quite liked it. First of all, it's not super scary but it's moody and it has its quite unsettling moments. Sound design is top notch, would have loved to see this in Atmos, but even in 5.1 or 7.1 it was still great. The story is sufficient but also interesting, in general the movie keeps you hooked till the ending. This is typical of father's movies. There are also some metaphors but they land quiet flat for me
Not a movie for movie critics but a good atmospheric and folkloristic movie for movie theatre audience. Also it's a pg13 so suitable for a broader audience Said this, I found first omen (another recent horror movie) quiet better.
But honestly I quite liked it. First of all, it's not super scary but it's moody and it has its quite unsettling moments. Sound design is top notch, would have loved to see this in Atmos, but even in 5.1 or 7.1 it was still great. The story is sufficient but also interesting, in general the movie keeps you hooked till the ending. This is typical of father's movies. There are also some metaphors but they land quiet flat for me
Not a movie for movie critics but a good atmospheric and folkloristic movie for movie theatre audience. Also it's a pg13 so suitable for a broader audience Said this, I found first omen (another recent horror movie) quiet better.
I wanted to like this...
This movie looked promising from the trailers. I know the name "Shyamalan" is a gamble, but I didn't realize the potential downside. In the interest of full disclosure, I have not read the book on which the movie is based. Nevertheless, I feel that needing to use as much explicit explanation at the end of the film in order to help the audience understand what was happening indicates that the movie was poorly made. It lacks true suspense, cohesive backstory, and satisfying character development. The last fifteen minutes seemed tacked on in order to sew everything up, but it really attempted to provide resolutions that I really didn't care about. Do yourself a favor and skip this one.
- chrisvollmer
- Jun 7, 2024
- Permalink
Not worth a sunny afternoon
I actually liked it alot more than I had imagined i would
I went into this one without watching the trailer and oh boy was I pleasantly surprised. It is not a super scary horror movie. Its more of a folklore horror but what i loved most about this movie is;
1. It quickly gets into the meat of the whole situation/madness
2. The atmosphere is perfect
3. Closer to the end of the movie, when everything makes sense, its a satisfying feeling to get an understanding of whats actually been going on here
4. No blood or gore, and still an good an interesting watch
5. The characters suited their roles perfectly
This i a much much better horror movie than some other overhyped horror movies of 2024. I would definitely recommend this to someone who likes a horror movie with a story and no jumpscares or gore.
This i a much much better horror movie than some other overhyped horror movies of 2024. I would definitely recommend this to someone who likes a horror movie with a story and no jumpscares or gore.
- aadilskits
- Aug 23, 2024
- Permalink
Not bad at all
Having read some reviews, most of which very negative, decided to give Dakota another shot after the very emotionless performance she displayed on the latest Mr Ripley series. Again, the prodigal War of the Worlds actress offers a very emotionless, expressionless performance. It's like she doesn't want to be there, or is generally numbed. Not having a strong lead made this rely on the premise alone, and it did deliver.
Story is somewhat fresh, suspenseful, well paced action. Overall good entertainment for a monday night flick at home, but no more than that.
I'll give it a 6/10 for the effort put on everything but the acting.
Story is somewhat fresh, suspenseful, well paced action. Overall good entertainment for a monday night flick at home, but no more than that.
I'll give it a 6/10 for the effort put on everything but the acting.
As a director, Ishana Shyamalan must become more her own and copy less from others and her father.
The Watchers is a new horror thriller directed and written by Ishana Shyamalan. This is her directorial debut. Furthermore, the film was produced by her father, director M. Night Shyamalan.
When young artist Mina (Dakota Fanning) gets stuck in an unknown forest with car trouble. Here she is told by a woman Madeline (Olwen Fouéré) to come to her quickly, to take shelter in her bunker.
Once in the bunker, she hears terrifying noises outside. These sounds come from beings called the Watchers, mysterious beings who emerge to observe the prisoners in the bunker. Anyone who is not in the bunker at night becomes victims of these Watchers. Mina and the other prisoners must now come up with a plan to escape the Watchers during the day, or end up stuck here for the rest of their lives, or become prey to the Watchers themselves.
Ishana Shyamalan, just like her father, knows how to build a story and its mystery. However, she now has to learn to make a film more her own. This film is reminiscent of many other films such as The Blair Witch Project, 10 Cloverfield Lane and even the TV series Wayward Pines, on which her father also contributed as director and producer. The story also has some unusual moments, which sometimes makes the film seem vague rather than scary. All the rules that the characters receive in the bunker do not always seem to have been reflected in such detail. Other details can also seem a bit strange and not always everything seems to have been given the same amount of thought. When you do get answers and further details at the end, it sometimes makes the film just more vague than it actually answers all your answers. As a result, the film can sometimes come across as a bit long-winded.
The Watcher largely remain mysterious in the film, because they are not shown, or only shown. This way your own imagination plays out when you hear the sounds of the Watchers before they are actually shown to you. In the darkness these creatures look believable, but when they come into the light, the quality and believability of the effects diminish slightly. Their shadow appearance may also be reminiscent of how her father tried to keep the aliens hidden in his films Signs.
The acting in the film works, but due to the vague, ill-considered aspects of the story, the actors sometimes come across as if they do not always know exactly what is expected of them or what they have to do. However, they sometimes seem a bit too calm to people who know that they are hiding and being observed by mysterious creatures. Some of the characters are also given too little background to make you as a viewer really care about them.
When young artist Mina (Dakota Fanning) gets stuck in an unknown forest with car trouble. Here she is told by a woman Madeline (Olwen Fouéré) to come to her quickly, to take shelter in her bunker.
Once in the bunker, she hears terrifying noises outside. These sounds come from beings called the Watchers, mysterious beings who emerge to observe the prisoners in the bunker. Anyone who is not in the bunker at night becomes victims of these Watchers. Mina and the other prisoners must now come up with a plan to escape the Watchers during the day, or end up stuck here for the rest of their lives, or become prey to the Watchers themselves.
Ishana Shyamalan, just like her father, knows how to build a story and its mystery. However, she now has to learn to make a film more her own. This film is reminiscent of many other films such as The Blair Witch Project, 10 Cloverfield Lane and even the TV series Wayward Pines, on which her father also contributed as director and producer. The story also has some unusual moments, which sometimes makes the film seem vague rather than scary. All the rules that the characters receive in the bunker do not always seem to have been reflected in such detail. Other details can also seem a bit strange and not always everything seems to have been given the same amount of thought. When you do get answers and further details at the end, it sometimes makes the film just more vague than it actually answers all your answers. As a result, the film can sometimes come across as a bit long-winded.
The Watcher largely remain mysterious in the film, because they are not shown, or only shown. This way your own imagination plays out when you hear the sounds of the Watchers before they are actually shown to you. In the darkness these creatures look believable, but when they come into the light, the quality and believability of the effects diminish slightly. Their shadow appearance may also be reminiscent of how her father tried to keep the aliens hidden in his films Signs.
The acting in the film works, but due to the vague, ill-considered aspects of the story, the actors sometimes come across as if they do not always know exactly what is expected of them or what they have to do. However, they sometimes seem a bit too calm to people who know that they are hiding and being observed by mysterious creatures. Some of the characters are also given too little background to make you as a viewer really care about them.
- movieman6-413-929510
- Jun 15, 2024
- Permalink
A promising debut
Writer-director Ishana Night Shyamalan, daughter of the iconic M. Night Shyamalan, steps into the spotlight with her debut film, The Watchers, a suspenseful horror film that's equal parts intriguing and frustrating. Mina (played with quiet intensity by Dakota Fanning), a young artist on a solo trip in Ireland, finds herself stranded in a remote forest with no way out. Seeking refuge, she stumbles upon a concrete bunker where three strangers are already holed up. But safety is a fleeting concept here. As night falls, a mysterious force emerges, forcing the group to huddle behind a large, one-way window-the only barrier between them and the unseen watchers.
The film's greatest strength lies in its initial setup. The dense, uncharted forest evokes a sense of primal unease, and the concept of unseen entities lurking just beyond the window is undeniably creepy. Shyamalan keeps the creatures shrouded in shadow for a good portion of the film, relying on suggestion and flickering lights to build tension. This approach is reminiscent of classic monster movies like Alien or Jaws, where the unseen threat is often more terrifying than a fully revealed one.
However, The Watchers struggles to maintain its momentum. The plot unfolds slowly, with long stretches of dialogue that do little to develop the characters beyond their basic survival instincts. While Fanning delivers a compelling performance, the supporting cast feels underdeveloped. The film throws in a childhood trauma element for Mina, but it feels tacked on rather than organically woven into the narrative.
Visually, the film is a mixed bag. The use of colour is particularly interesting. The stark contrast between the warm, artificial light inside the bunker and the cold, oppressive darkness of the forest effectively creates a sense of isolation and vulnerability. However, some of the CGI effects used for the creatures later in the film feel a bit clunky and detract from the overall atmosphere. The editing is efficient, with jump scares used sparingly and to good effect.
The film's ending, a signature Shyamalan twist, is sure to spark discussion. But unlike some of her father's more successful works, it doesn't quite land here. It feels more like a desperate attempt to inject a jolt of surprise rather than a satisfying conclusion to the established themes.
The Watchers is a promising debut from Ishana Night Shyamalan. It showcases a clear understanding of suspense-building and a willingness to experiment with genre tropes. But, the underdeveloped characters, a slow pace, and a somewhat underwhelming twist hold the film back from reaching its full potential. If you're a fan of slow-burn horror with a dose of mystery, this might be worth a watch. But if you're expecting a truly terrifying experience, you might want to look elsewhere. It's an intriguing film with a great central premise, but its execution is uneven.
The film's greatest strength lies in its initial setup. The dense, uncharted forest evokes a sense of primal unease, and the concept of unseen entities lurking just beyond the window is undeniably creepy. Shyamalan keeps the creatures shrouded in shadow for a good portion of the film, relying on suggestion and flickering lights to build tension. This approach is reminiscent of classic monster movies like Alien or Jaws, where the unseen threat is often more terrifying than a fully revealed one.
However, The Watchers struggles to maintain its momentum. The plot unfolds slowly, with long stretches of dialogue that do little to develop the characters beyond their basic survival instincts. While Fanning delivers a compelling performance, the supporting cast feels underdeveloped. The film throws in a childhood trauma element for Mina, but it feels tacked on rather than organically woven into the narrative.
Visually, the film is a mixed bag. The use of colour is particularly interesting. The stark contrast between the warm, artificial light inside the bunker and the cold, oppressive darkness of the forest effectively creates a sense of isolation and vulnerability. However, some of the CGI effects used for the creatures later in the film feel a bit clunky and detract from the overall atmosphere. The editing is efficient, with jump scares used sparingly and to good effect.
The film's ending, a signature Shyamalan twist, is sure to spark discussion. But unlike some of her father's more successful works, it doesn't quite land here. It feels more like a desperate attempt to inject a jolt of surprise rather than a satisfying conclusion to the established themes.
The Watchers is a promising debut from Ishana Night Shyamalan. It showcases a clear understanding of suspense-building and a willingness to experiment with genre tropes. But, the underdeveloped characters, a slow pace, and a somewhat underwhelming twist hold the film back from reaching its full potential. If you're a fan of slow-burn horror with a dose of mystery, this might be worth a watch. But if you're expecting a truly terrifying experience, you might want to look elsewhere. It's an intriguing film with a great central premise, but its execution is uneven.
- steveinadelaide
- Jun 6, 2024
- Permalink
An entertaining adaptation of the AM Shine masterpiece
Bizarre, sloppy, and about 4-too many endings
Like father, like daughter
The Watchers proves the apple really doesn't fall far from the tree for Ishana Night Shyamalan. Just like most of her father's output, this is a handsomely mounted picture that struggles when it comes to the dialogue. What starts off as a slow burning thriller obsessed with voyeurism eventually gets wilder and more baffling with every twist and turn.
Dakota Fanning gives a reserved lead performance which comes with standard issue trauma to overcome and she makes it work with a muted presence. Georgina Campbell, Oliver Finnegan, and Olwen Fouéré all do a good job with characters written in very broad strokes. Olwen Fouréré in particular really sells the sense of fear for the first half.
Ishana Night Shyamalan's direction makes up for all the ham-fisted exposition with visual dynamism. Before it goes wild in that second half, there's a strong atmosphere that revels in the fear of the unknown to great effect and even when it goes off the rails later on, the bold swings are still appreciated. Abel Korzeniowski's score keeps it investing thanks to its mysterious nature.
Dakota Fanning gives a reserved lead performance which comes with standard issue trauma to overcome and she makes it work with a muted presence. Georgina Campbell, Oliver Finnegan, and Olwen Fouéré all do a good job with characters written in very broad strokes. Olwen Fouréré in particular really sells the sense of fear for the first half.
Ishana Night Shyamalan's direction makes up for all the ham-fisted exposition with visual dynamism. Before it goes wild in that second half, there's a strong atmosphere that revels in the fear of the unknown to great effect and even when it goes off the rails later on, the bold swings are still appreciated. Abel Korzeniowski's score keeps it investing thanks to its mysterious nature.
If you've read the book, probably skip the movie
As someone that read and thoroughly enjoyed AM Shine's novel The Watchers, I was really interested in seeing the movie. I never go to the theater, so this was a real treat and I was incredibly let down by this film. Now I understand that there will be differences when a book is brought to screen and often times creative liberty is taken. This is almost a completely different story than the one I read, unfortunately. The book is fantastic and the character development, the terror of the antagonists, the plot and twists are so much deeper than what was shown on screen. Of course movies typically pale in comparison to books, but the characters aren't even really the same. Names and backstories have been completely changed, lore has been altered, the story isn't the story. The acting is flat and the pacing is weird with multiple plot holes. It all felt rushed. If I hadn't spent so much on movie tickets, I would have left the theater and found a better use for my time because this was incredibly disappointing. My suggestion is that if you have read the novel and enjoyed it, skip the movie.
- amandacallendar
- Jun 15, 2024
- Permalink
A Haunting Atmosphere Struggles to Find Payoff
The Watchers is a suspenseful slow burn with a lot to offer in terms of atmosphere and intrigue. Set in the wilds of Ireland, the film follows a young artist, Mina, who finds herself stranded alongside three strangers in a seemingly endless forest. As night falls, they become increasingly aware of unseen watchers lurking in the darkness.
The beauty of "The Watchers" lies in its unsettling mood. The vast, silent forest is filmed with a sense of looming dread, and the sparse dialogue only amplifies the feeling of isolation. The mystery of the watchers themselves is also compelling, with hints of a rich mythology that pique the audience's curiosity.
However, the film falters in its execution. The pacing can be glacial at times, and the characters, while adequately portrayed, lack the depth needed to fully invest viewers in their fates. The limited scares rely heavily on jump cuts, which may prove predictable for seasoned horror fans.
The biggest letdown might be the ending. While Shyamalan attempts to deliver a signature twist, it feels less like a shocking revelation and more like a convenient way to tie up loose ends. It leaves some plot threads unresolved and fails to deliver the full-fledged payoff the built-up tension deserves.
Overall, "The Watchers" is a visually stunning and atmospheric film with a promising premise. Yet, the slow pacing, underdeveloped characters, and underwhelming twist prevent it from reaching its full potential. It's a decent watch for those who enjoy slow-burn horror with a strong sense of place, but those seeking edge-of-your-seat thrills or a mind-blowing conclusion might be left wanting.
Here's a breakdown of the film's strengths and weaknesses:
Strengths: Beautiful cinematography, suspenseful atmosphere, intriguing central mystery.
Weaknesses: Slow pacing, underdeveloped characters, predictable scares, unsatisfying ending.
If you're looking for a visually captivating and atmospheric horror experience with a touch of mystery, "The Watchers" might be worth a watch. Just keep your expectations in check for the payoff.
The beauty of "The Watchers" lies in its unsettling mood. The vast, silent forest is filmed with a sense of looming dread, and the sparse dialogue only amplifies the feeling of isolation. The mystery of the watchers themselves is also compelling, with hints of a rich mythology that pique the audience's curiosity.
However, the film falters in its execution. The pacing can be glacial at times, and the characters, while adequately portrayed, lack the depth needed to fully invest viewers in their fates. The limited scares rely heavily on jump cuts, which may prove predictable for seasoned horror fans.
The biggest letdown might be the ending. While Shyamalan attempts to deliver a signature twist, it feels less like a shocking revelation and more like a convenient way to tie up loose ends. It leaves some plot threads unresolved and fails to deliver the full-fledged payoff the built-up tension deserves.
Overall, "The Watchers" is a visually stunning and atmospheric film with a promising premise. Yet, the slow pacing, underdeveloped characters, and underwhelming twist prevent it from reaching its full potential. It's a decent watch for those who enjoy slow-burn horror with a strong sense of place, but those seeking edge-of-your-seat thrills or a mind-blowing conclusion might be left wanting.
Here's a breakdown of the film's strengths and weaknesses:
Strengths: Beautiful cinematography, suspenseful atmosphere, intriguing central mystery.
Weaknesses: Slow pacing, underdeveloped characters, predictable scares, unsatisfying ending.
If you're looking for a visually captivating and atmospheric horror experience with a touch of mystery, "The Watchers" might be worth a watch. Just keep your expectations in check for the payoff.
- arsalanweb
- Jun 29, 2024
- Permalink
An Obvious Twist...
I went into this film with fairly high expectations, intrigued by the trailers and the interesting concept. I recognized only one actor, Georgina Campbell, the lead from "The Barbarian," a film I quite enjoyed. I was also eager to see how Ishana Shyamalan's directorial debut would turn out.
To start, I think the film was very well directed, featuring some really cool and creepy shots that effectively conveyed the story without relying heavily on dialogue. The initial concept of the creatures was interesting; I assume they are based on a real mythical creature, which adds a nice element of realism to the horror genre. However, that's where the positives end for me.
The acting felt mediocre. Despite what I've seen online, I had no issues with the accents, being from the UK and accustomed to Irish accents. The acting, however, often felt forced, and I didn't find the relationships or the characters' dread believable. The only scene with commendable acting involved Georgina Campbell.
My main issue with the film is the twist. Without giving away spoilers, I found it incredibly obvious and poorly thought out. It felt like a placeholder from the first draft, something that should have been replaced with a more refined idea.
Overall, it's an okay film. Not something I'll rave about, but if you're looking for a short horror movie to watch over the weekend, it might be worth a try.
To start, I think the film was very well directed, featuring some really cool and creepy shots that effectively conveyed the story without relying heavily on dialogue. The initial concept of the creatures was interesting; I assume they are based on a real mythical creature, which adds a nice element of realism to the horror genre. However, that's where the positives end for me.
The acting felt mediocre. Despite what I've seen online, I had no issues with the accents, being from the UK and accustomed to Irish accents. The acting, however, often felt forced, and I didn't find the relationships or the characters' dread believable. The only scene with commendable acting involved Georgina Campbell.
My main issue with the film is the twist. Without giving away spoilers, I found it incredibly obvious and poorly thought out. It felt like a placeholder from the first draft, something that should have been replaced with a more refined idea.
Overall, it's an okay film. Not something I'll rave about, but if you're looking for a short horror movie to watch over the weekend, it might be worth a try.
- blgerrardsw
- Jun 15, 2024
- Permalink
Don't pay attention to negative reviews
Isana Shyamalan, daughter of famous director M. Night Shyamalan, makes her directorial debut with this original, atmospheric, metaphysical horror film. Shot entirely in Ireland, the film was directed by A. M. It is adapted from Shine's novel of the same name. It is based on the tales told by local people, called folk horror. Shyamalan's familiar cinematic universe draws attention here as well, we can clearly say that he was inspired by his father. Dakota Fanning's acting adds to the tension of the film. I see that the viewers are divided into two, they either liked it or criticized it. I, actually liked it pretty much. It is a decent horror movie, with good cinematography..
- sevilaksanoglu
- Jul 20, 2024
- Permalink
I Always Feel Like Somebody's Watching Meeeee! An American Girl Ends Up In Some Irish Woods and Encounters Something Wild and Weird!
So M. Night's daughter made this movie. It is her first feature film, and I'll say the apple doesn't fall far from the proverbial tree in the film setting of this fantastical forest.
This movie could totally be one of her father's films all the way.
Up to and including the expected big twist that her dad likes to unveil in his films.
Dakota Fanning also.
Can she really be thirty?
30?
Really?
Well, that makes me older than the dirt in these here woods here. Sheesh.
Fanning plays an American inexplicably alone on the Emerald Isle, and even more inexplicably working in some pet shop there.
She vapes and she goes out at night, also again solo, to pubs and such, wearing wigs and playing the part of someone else.
We learn she has endured a great personal tragedy bringing on a possible personal dislike that has lead her presumably astray to these lonely barstools and cleaning pet cages in Ireland.
She happily picks up an errand from the shop to deliver a gorgeous bright bird to parts elsewhere on the isle.
You know where this might possibly end up, and could this be yet another proverb?
The canary in the coal mine?
However, this whole movie or at least for the better part of it, runs at a six, even once it gets to the forest. It's nothing new, it feels super familiar, the characters aren't particularly interesting, the effects aren't great, but then there's that old reliable twist, though.
And it works.
The twist in this next-gen Shyamalan movie works.
It works so well it goes from a six to a seven by the time the end credits start rolling.
Dakota Fanning is one of the best actresses of her generation.
Ishana Night Shyamalan shows a bright future here as well.
As the family tradition goes, the ending here makes the movie.
This movie could totally be one of her father's films all the way.
Up to and including the expected big twist that her dad likes to unveil in his films.
Dakota Fanning also.
Can she really be thirty?
30?
Really?
Well, that makes me older than the dirt in these here woods here. Sheesh.
Fanning plays an American inexplicably alone on the Emerald Isle, and even more inexplicably working in some pet shop there.
She vapes and she goes out at night, also again solo, to pubs and such, wearing wigs and playing the part of someone else.
We learn she has endured a great personal tragedy bringing on a possible personal dislike that has lead her presumably astray to these lonely barstools and cleaning pet cages in Ireland.
She happily picks up an errand from the shop to deliver a gorgeous bright bird to parts elsewhere on the isle.
You know where this might possibly end up, and could this be yet another proverb?
The canary in the coal mine?
However, this whole movie or at least for the better part of it, runs at a six, even once it gets to the forest. It's nothing new, it feels super familiar, the characters aren't particularly interesting, the effects aren't great, but then there's that old reliable twist, though.
And it works.
The twist in this next-gen Shyamalan movie works.
It works so well it goes from a six to a seven by the time the end credits start rolling.
Dakota Fanning is one of the best actresses of her generation.
Ishana Night Shyamalan shows a bright future here as well.
As the family tradition goes, the ending here makes the movie.
- RightOnDaddio
- Jun 6, 2024
- Permalink
Just say no to nepotism....this is bad
I will say it yet again. This is a puzzling era we live in. When really bad poorly written and executed scripts make it to the big screen - yet, really good scripts, ideas cant even see the light of day. Nepotism is rampant in every level and aspect of Hollywood from catering right, makeup right on up to scripts etc.
Here is yet another example (as if we needed another). If it weren't for her father, this script/film would never have been made nor even read.
I won't do a summary since imdb does that really well.. The script/story is so disjointed it makes no sense. It's as if you are watching multiple separate things...no connections, the writing is juvenile. Don't waste your time unless you feel like wasting money and want to be left scratch hing your head as to why continue to burn money up over really bad films and then later pat themselves on the back over these same bad films.
Here is yet another example (as if we needed another). If it weren't for her father, this script/film would never have been made nor even read.
I won't do a summary since imdb does that really well.. The script/story is so disjointed it makes no sense. It's as if you are watching multiple separate things...no connections, the writing is juvenile. Don't waste your time unless you feel like wasting money and want to be left scratch hing your head as to why continue to burn money up over really bad films and then later pat themselves on the back over these same bad films.
- rosecalifornia
- Jun 9, 2024
- Permalink
nice but impossible
- doorsscorpywag
- Jun 28, 2024
- Permalink