What’s It About
A 28-year-old artist gets stranded in an expansive, untouched forest in western Ireland. Finding shelter, she unknowingly becomes trapped alongside three strangers who are stalked by mysterious creatures every night.
MOVIESinMO REVIEW
M. Night Shyamalan’s movies are often marked by their reliance on twists and suspense, but they also feature clunky dialogue and sentimental scenes. This distinct style, known as Shyamalan-esque, is evident in “The Watchers,” based on A.M. Shine’s novel, the debut film by his daughter, Ishana Night Shyamalan. Dakota Fanning stars as Mina, an American living in Galway, Ireland, who spends her days working at a pet shop and her nights donning wigs to deceive men at bars, perhaps due to a traumatic past. When tasked with delivering a rare parrot to a zoo in Belfast, Mina’s car breaks down in a remote, eerie forest. Stranded, she discovers a mysterious building inhabited by three others: Ciara, Madeline, and Daniel. They rush her into the concrete structure, warning her about supernatural creatures watching them from the forest. They reveal the existence of creatures known as “The Watchers,” who observe them through a two-way mirror. During the day, they can roam the forest up to specific points marked by signs but must return by nightfall to avoid the creatures. The film starts with an intriguing premise and a likable central character but loses momentum as it progresses. Despite some effective scares and tension-filled moments, the lack of action and overcomplicated plot make the story tedious. The film attempts to root itself in Celtic folklore, but the script struggles to convey its mythical elements. Shyamalan’s dialogue often feels awkward, and the pacing is inconsistent, especially in the rushed third act that piles on revelations and mythology, straining the film’s foundation. While fans of M. Night Shyamalan might find comfort in the familiar twists and atmosphere, others, like me, may feel frustrated by the film’s clumsy surprises and convoluted world-building. Ishana Shyamalan includes several elements that don’t connect to the larger story, such as Mina’s habit of dressing up in wigs at bars, which seems to have no apparent purpose. The film also introduces dense fairy mythology that doesn’t fully integrate into the main plot, adding to the confusion. While M. Night Shyamalan’s films often provoke thought and maintain suspense, Ishana Shyamalan’s debut struggles with pacing and decision-making that detract from its potential impact. The film’s intriguing setup and initial tension give way to a messy and drawn-out narrative, leaving audiences with mixed feelings about the overall experience.
OUR RATING – AN OVER-HYPED 3