M. Night Shyamalan’s Old Is Best Understood as a Modern Day Episode of The Twilight Zone

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Instead of surprising you, it’s common knowledge that M. Night Shyamalan is a contentious filmmaker. While his triumphs, such as The Sixth Sense, are indisputable, he’s also had some disappointing films like The Happening and The Last Airbender.

2021’s Shyamalan movie, “Old,” airing this month on SYFY, is often criticized harshly. The concept of a beach that ages you isn’t exactly sophisticated, leading to plenty of memes and jokes. However, it’s important not to judge “Old” too harshly. This film succeeds by setting out to achieve modest goals, rather than striving for grand cinematic mastery. So, when you tune in to “Old,” don’t expect a groundbreaking movie; instead, think of it as an episode of “The Twilight Zone,” which SYFY airs regularly.

For More on The Twilight Zone

Top 7 Standout Child Performances in M. Night Shyamalan’s Movies: The Cast Discovered Solace in Film’s Intense, Time-Bending Horror

In the world of suspenseful and thought-provoking cinema, few directors can match the unique storytelling style of M. Night Shyamalan. Over the years, his films have captivated audiences worldwide with their intricate plots, unexpected twists, and haunting visuals. One aspect that has consistently stood out in these movies is the exceptional performances by child actors who bring depth and nuance to their roles. Here are seven standout child performances from M. Night Shyamalan’s films that left a lasting impact on viewers.

1. Haley Joel Osment as Cole Sear (The Sixth Sense, 2000) – As the troubled young boy who can see dead people, Osment delivered an emotional and convincing performance that earned him an Academy Award nomination for Best Supporting Actor.

2. Alexis Denisof as Sam Collins (Signs, 2002) – Playing a precocious and intelligent child in a family under siege by alien invaders, Denisof’s performance was both heartwarming and nerve-wracking, making for a memorable contribution to the film.

3. Spencer Treat Clark as Darth Vader (Lady in the Water, 2006) – In this enigmatic role, Clark portrayed a young man with a mysterious past who helps guide the protagonist through her own journey of self-discovery. His performance added an air of mystery and intrigue to the film.

4. Noah Ringer as Aang (The Last Airbender, 2010) – In this adaptation of the popular animated series, Ringer took on the role of the protagonist Aang, a young Avatar with the power to manipulate the four elements. His performance was well-received by fans and critics alike.

5. Odeya Rush as Casey Cooke (The Happening, 2008) – In this lesser-known Shyamalan film, Rush delivered a compelling portrayal of a high school student trying to survive in a world where plants are releasing deadly toxins. Her performance was both relatable and engaging.

6. Abigail Breslin as Lexie Buckley (The Village, 2004) – In this film set in an isolated village where the inhabitants live in fear of mysterious creatures, Breslin played a young girl with a secret that would change the fate of her community. Her performance was both innocent and captivating.

7. Mackenzie Foy as Isabella (The Gifted, 2016) – In this supernatural thriller, Foy portrayed a young girl with extraordinary abilities who must navigate the complexities of her powers while dealing with the pressures of everyday life. Her performance was both vulnerable and powerful.

These talented child actors have left an indelible mark on M. Night Shyamalan’s films, adding depth and emotion to the stories he weaves. Their performances serve as a testament to the director’s ability to find exceptional talent and bring out their best work in his unique cinematic universe.

Why M. Night’s SHyamalan’s Old is a lot like a Twilight Zone episode

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This production reminds one of episodes from Rod Serling’s classic anthology series, except for the absence of his narration. (Similar to Shyamalan’s usual practice, he makes a cameo in this too.) It features familiar faces or soon-to-be stars, leisurely paced drama amidst supernatural events, and, as expected, a surprising conclusion.

As a gamer, I’d rephrase it like this:

I, along with my partner and kids, embark on a final vacation at a mysterious resort, where a hidden beach holds a chilling secret. My partner and I, on the verge of separation, decide to take one last trip with our teenage offspring before going our separate ways. Upon reaching this secluded shore, we, along with other guests, start noticing peculiar occurrences. Firstly, time seems to speed up here; we’re all aging noticeably every half hour or so. Secondly, leaving the beach proves impossible – whether we try to retrace our steps through the cave or climb the surrounding cliffs, we lose consciousness and mysteriously reappear on the beach again. The rough waters and treacherous coral reefs make escaping by sea just as challenging. Additionally, it seems that one person from each visiting family harbors a hidden health issue.

Throughout the majority of the movie “Old”, we primarily observe this family and their fellow visitors struggling to comprehend the mysterious events unfolding while simultaneously attempting, yet failing, to escape. As time passes, the characters age rapidly, which leads to some disturbing body transformations that surpass anything typically seen on CBS during the early ’60s, when “The Twilight Zone” was airing. However, we also witness a vast amount of drama unfold in a condensed timeframe. Children mature at an alarmingly fast pace, and they seem to grow up far too swiftly. Guy and Prisca reconcile before succumbing to old age side by side. In a dark and unusual manner, they experience a privilege that few couples are fortunate enough to have. Despite “The Beach That Makes You Old” being a source of humor, it also imparts an unsettling, fairy tale-like atmosphere to the film.

In the unexpected turn, the question arises: why does spending time at the beach seem to age you? The comic book adaptation, Sandcastle, leaves this mystery unsolved. M. Night Shyamalan’s movie, however, provides a somewhat convoluted answer that leaves some viewers skeptical. Despite not giving a reason for why the beach ages you, the film unveils that the resort serves as a cover for a pharmaceutical company conducting drug trials that would typically take a lifetime, but are accelerated to just a few hours by the peculiarities of the beach. The children of the main characters, Guy and Prisca, eventually manage to escape through an underwater tunnel hidden within the coral, revealing the sinister plot behind the resort’s facade.

In a simpler and more conversational way, The plot twists in shows like “The Twilight Zone” might seem silly or random, but they aren’t necessarily the main focus. Instead, these series are more about exploring human relationships and characters. Even though some of “The Twilight Zone’s” twist endings are legendary, such as those in “Eye of the Beholder” and “To Serve Man,” the twist in “Old” can be seen as just as absurd if we’re being honest. However, “Old” isn’t impressive because of its premise, “The Beach That Makes You Old,” but because of what its characters experience on that beach.

In essence, the impact of these plot twists relies heavily on our connection with the characters, and they serve as a climax after we’ve spent time understanding their struggles with strange and eerie situations.

The film shouldn’t be expected to be M. Night Shyamalan’s next grand success following “The Sixth Sense.” Instead, it carries a more modest tone, reminiscent of an episode in a horror anthology series. And considering the lasting appeal of “The Twilight Zone,” being in this category is definitely a positive aspect.

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2025-02-28 23:03