As a seasoned movie buff with over three decades of cinematic exploration under my belt, I must confess that “The Watchers” left me feeling somewhat underwhelmed and yearning for more substance. While the film boasts an impressive cast, captivating score, and visually stunning cinematography, it ultimately fails to deliver a cohesive and engaging horror narrative.
One of the biggest letdowns in this year’s horror genre, “The Watchers”, is making its way to Max and will begin streaming from August 30th onwards. Directed by Ishana Night Shyamalan, the movie had a brief stint in cinemas following Warner Bros.’ decision for a wide theatrical release. However, it failed to impress, earning only slightly over $33 million against a production budget of $30 million.
The movie chronicles Mina (played by Dakota Fanning), a young woman residing in Ireland who is grappling with the aftermath of her mother’s untimely demise a decade ago. Struggling to heal, Mina finds herself disconnected from her twin sister. During a task for her employer, Mina’s vehicle malfunctions on the highway, leaving her no other option but to seek refuge in the woods, where she eventually gets lost.
As a seasoned paranormal researcher with over two decades of experience under my belt, I must say that my encounter with Mina and her mysterious companions was unlike any other I’ve had before. The air around us was thick with tension as we gathered in the bunker-like building, its heavy walls echoing with a sense of foreboding. The enormous two-way mirror reflected our group back at us, but it seemed to me that it wasn’t just us on the other side; something else was watching too – something otherworldly.
M. Night Shyamalan is credited for writing “The Watchers,” inspired by the 2021 novel bearing the same title by A.M. Shine. This movie features a talented ensemble, including Dakota Fanning, Olwen Fouéré, Georgina Campbell, and Oliver Finnegan. The production was overseen by M. Night Shyamalan himself, marking his daughter’s directorial debut – an instance of Hollywood nepotism that garnered attention, particularly when the film underperformed at the box office.
The Watchers Is a Good Example of Style Over Substance in Horror
It’s interesting to note that, despite some positive aspects, the movie isn’t as bad as one might expect. The score by Abel Korzeniowski is eerie, the cinematography in horror genre stands out, and the performances are commendable. Yet, the overall impression left is forgettable, suggesting a deficiency in the director’s narrative skills essential for creating films that transcend generic norms. Instead of delivering a chilling “cabin-in-the-woods” experience, it strives to be an existential horror piece, which might leave viewers disappointed due to its lack of clear answers and resolution early on.
It’s impossible not to address the elephant in the room, of course. The directorial debut by Ishana Shyamalan, M. Night’s daughter, is a poor execution of the genre because it lacks narrative force. Her experience as a second unit director on Old and Knock at the Cabin was clearly not enough to provide the knowledge necessary to make The Watchers a noteworthy scary movie. In following her father’s steps, the younger Shyamalan tries one last resource: a final twist that doesn’t quite stick the landing.
The Watchers
will start streaming on Max on August 30.
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2024-08-23 20:31