Ishana Night Shyamalan’s directorial debut, “The Watchers,” is a film that attempts to weave a tapestry of horror and fantasy, set against the backdrop of an expansive, untouched forest in western Ireland. The movie follows Mina, portrayed by Dakota Fanning, a 28-year-old artist who finds herself stranded and subsequently trapped alongside three strangers in a mysterious shelter. As night falls, they become the subjects of observation by enigmatic creatures, setting the stage for a chilling narrative.
The film is based on the book by A.M. Shine and oscillates between fantastical whimsy and horrific terror. However, it seems to struggle with its identity, caught in a limbo between a fairytale and a horror story. Critics have pointed out that while the movie has ambition, it lacks the finesse required to fully flesh out its creative vision.
The setting of “The Watchers” is one of its strongest points, with the dense forest providing a claustrophobic and eerie atmosphere that is ripe for a horror narrative. The concept of being watched and the paranoia that ensues could have been a compelling exploration of fear and survival. Yet, the execution falters, with a script that has been described as clumsy and dialogue that fails to resonate with the gravity of the characters’ situation.
Performance-wise, Dakota Fanning delivers a nuanced portrayal of Mina, a lost soul seeking refuge and identity. The supporting cast, including Olwen Fouéré and Georgina Campbell, add depth to the ensemble, each character grappling with the rules of survival in this otherworldly predicament.
The film’s visual style has been compared to a mix of cartoonish, kid-friendly horror and sequences reminiscent of classic horror films. This blend, however, seems to have diluted the impact of the horror elements, leaving audiences wanting more of the promised terror.
“The Watchers” does present some intriguing ideas and attempts at depth, but these efforts are thinly spread and fail to anchor the film with the necessary weight. The narrative is criticized for being bloated, with too much lore and not enough room for the suspense to breathe.
In the Nutshell
“The Watchers” is a film with potential that unfortunately gets lost in its own indecision. For those seeking a horror experience that delves deep into the psyche, this may not be the film to watch. But for fans of Shyamalan’s brand of storytelling, it might offer a glimpse into the evolving legacy of a filmmaking family known for its unique take on the genre. Despite its shortcomings, “The Watchers” is a stepping stone for Ishana Night Shyamalan, and it will be interesting to see how her style develops in future projects. [4 out of 5]
Please help rate this movie: If you already saw this movie, help us rate the movie by click on the Star Rating.
Ending Explained (Spoiler Alert!)
The ending of “The Watcher” (2024) is a complex tapestry that weaves together themes of identity, humanity, and the supernatural.
As the story unfolds, we follow the journey of Madeline, Ciara, Daniel, and Mina, who find themselves trapped in a forest, stalked by enigmatic entities known as the Watchers. These creatures, tall and thin, have been observing humans, studying them to become perfect mimics. The forest itself is a character, inducing hallucinations and presenting a “Point of No Return” that the group must navigate.
The climax reveals that Madeline is not who she seems. She is a halfling, part human and part Watcher, which explains her extensive knowledge about the Watchers and their history. Long ago, when the watchers were still living alongside people, some of them had children together. It’s possible the other watchers resent her because she represents, in part, the very people who banished them. The ending also reveals that Madeline’s halfling form can walk in the light, and has a soft spot for humans despite wanting to kill Ciara and Mina at the end of the film.
What’s more, Madeline wanted to escape the changelings just as much as the rest of the characters. She was treated like an anomaly, and made to feel like she wasn’t truly a watcher like the rest. Madeline ultimately used Professor Kilmartin’s desires against him, transforming into his dead wife only after she killed him. Madeline was able to leave her old life behind to start anew.
The film’s resolution leaves us pondering the nature of the Watchers and their relationship with humanity. Are they merely observers, or do they represent something deeper within us all?
Profile:
You can watch on: