Year: 2024
Runtime: 102 minutes
Directed by: Ishana Night Shyamalan
Written by: Ishana Night Shyamalan, A.M. Shine (Based on the Book by)
Stars: Dakota Fanning, Georgina Campbell, Olwen Fouere, Oliver Finnegan, Alistair Brammer, John Lynch
I recently watched The Watchers, a highly stylized horror film that left me more confused than scared. Honestly, it’s one of the worst films I’ve seen this year.
Overview: The Watchers Plot
Dakota Fanning (Ripley, 2024) stars as a solitary woman stranded in a misty Irish forest with three strangers. Trapped in a rectangular shelter, they are stalked by monstrous creatures at night. As their psychological state deteriorates, some plot to escape.
Background: Adaptation of A.M. Shine’s Novel
The Watchers is adapted from A.M. Shine’s debut novel, an Irish Gothic horror published in 2021. The film attempts to unpack a lot, from the rules of their shelter to the main character’s childhood trauma. Unfortunately, the unnatural dialogue makes it hard to connect with any characters.
Directorial Debut: Ishana Shyamalan
Ishana Shyamalan, daughter of M. Night Shyamalan (Knock at the Cabin, 2023), directs and writes her feature film debut. The film is riddled with twists and surprises, making the experience more annoying than thrilling.
Emotional Disconnect
The latter half of The Watchers is emotionally erratic. I found myself asking, “What is this film even about? What message is the director trying to convey?” It felt like even she didn’t know.
Concerns About Film Quality
After watching The Watchers, I’m concerned about the quality of new releases. We’re nearing a content cliff due to last year’s Hollywood writers and actors strike. Without good films, how will theaters stay relevant?
Final Thoughts
In conclusion, The Watchers is a misfire in horror cinema. Despite its intriguing premise, it fails to deliver a coherent and engaging story.
Photo Credit: In Their Own League
