The Watchers

Fresh out of the premiere of Ishana Night Shyamalan's directorial debut, The Watchers, my first takeaway was that the film clearly carries the hallmark of the Shyamalan family legacy. Ishana’s vision behind the camera is both distinct and reminiscent of her father's cinematic style, weaving a narrative that is saturated with suspense and an unsettling atmosphere. The premise of being watched by creatures that follow our main characters every night effectively sets an eerie mood that keeps the audience on edge, drawing us into a world where every shadow and whisper could hint at something more sinister lurking beneath the surface.

One of the standout elements of The Watchers is undoubtedly the creature design. The creatures are crafted with a meticulous attention to detail, embodying a nightmarish quality that is both terrifying and fascinating. Their design is not only visually striking but also adds a layer of depth to the film, making the creatures feel like integral parts of the world rather than mere plot devices. The effort put into their creation shines through, earning them a special place in the hearts of fans who appreciate the artistry involved in bringing such visions to life.

Despite the promising setup which is adapted from A.M. Shine’s 2022 novel of the same name, the film doesn't entirely escape the so-called "Shyamalan family curse," a reference to the polarizing twists that have become synonymous with M. Night Shyamalan's films. Ishana follows in these footsteps, delivering a twist that is bound to divide audiences. For some, this twist will be a masterstroke of storytelling: an unexpected turn that redefines the narrative and leaves a lasting impression. For others, it might feel contrived or unsatisfying, detracting from the buildup that preceded it. Personally, I’m indifferent to it. I liked the presentation of the twist, but it makes little sense plot-wise.

While The Watchers boasts a gripping premise that promises to enthrall its audience, the adaptation regrettably provides the actors very little substantive material to work with. As a massive fan of Georgina Campbell, whose performances have consistently showcased her remarkable range and depth, I was eager to see her bring another character to life. Similarly, Dakota Fanning, an actress who I’ve admired since her early breakout roles, was poised to deliver yet another captivating performance. However, despite their best efforts, the script's limitations were apparent. The characters, while set in a tantalizingly eerie world, were left underdeveloped — their motivations and backstories only superficially explored. This lack of depth prevented the actors from fully sinking their teeth into the roles, resulting in performances that clearly didn’t reach their full potential (even if they were solid).

In the end, The Watchers stands as a testament to the potential and pitfalls of high-concept filmmaking. The adaptation, while visually striking and atmospherically rich, failed to deliver the emotional and narrative depth needed to truly captivate and resonate. The film offers a tantalizing glimpse of what could have been, leaving me to ponder what might have emerged if the characters had been given more to chew on, and the actors more room to maneuver within the story’s eerie confines. Ishana Night Shyamalan's debut showcases her potential as a filmmaker with a unique voice, even as she navigates the challenges of living up to her family's cinematic legacy. No matter its reception, the film is sure to spark conversations, cementing Ishana's place in the world of suspense and horror as I eagerly await her next project.

5/10