The Watchers

The Watchers

When 28-year-old artist Mina finds shelter after getting stranded in an expansive, untouched forest in western Ireland, she unknowingly becomes trapped alongside three strangers that are watched and stalked by mysterious creatures each night.

  • Released: 2024-06-07
  • Runtime: 102 minutes
  • Genre: Mystery, Thrillers
  • Stars: Siobhan Hewlett, Alistair Brammer, Kya Brame, Shane O'Regan, Shannon Antonia, Hannah Howland, Anthony Morris, Kofi De Graft Jordan, Cara Steele, Dakota Fanning, Georgina Campbell, Olwen Fouéré, Seán T. Ó Meallaigh, Jacob Greenway, Diarmuid de Faoite, Andrea Bechis, Ann Marie Horan, Jim Tighe
  • Director: Ishana Night Shyamalan
 Comments
  • theffachrif - 3 July 2024
    The Watchers are watching.
    Written for the screen & directed by Ishana Night Shyamalan, the story follows Mina (Dakota Fanning) a young artist who gets stranded in an expansive, untouched forest in western Ireland. Her attempt to seek help leads her to a group of strangers who seem to be hiding from mysterious creatures lurking in the night.

    I won't deny the fact that I was very eager to see this movie because to be quite honest, I have a soft spot for the writer-director's father's filmography for maybe a biased reason. It's because some of his movies are "interesting" if not good. (It doesn't mean I tolerate 2010's The Last Airbender). Even though he only serves as a producer, it doesn't take away any expectations that it sets, that it's either going to be a solid debut for her or divisive like most of M. Night's work.

    Anyway, let's just get into it I honestly don't have a problem with the narrative as it's very straightforward and even intriguing. But the ultimate twist in the movie's ending kinda rubs you the wrong way because a simple dialogue doesn't quite justify how that one character behave the way she is from the first act to almost right before the twist. I won't be spoiling anything but you'll know when you've watched it. Another thing that always irritates me and maybe exists in some Horror movies is the characters decision that leads them to their demise just before they're about to escape from something or someone. Which in this one seems even more foolish because the character looks like completely forgot what everything has happened before.

    Technically, The Watchers is solid with its fine use of colour to contrast the world where humans and the creatures live, although it can be too dark during night time. I do like the subtle camerawork that adds the eeriness of the scene, I guess it runs in the Shyamalan's blood.

    6,9/10.
  • vassiliskounelis - 1 July 2024
    Too simple and not in a good way
    The Watchers delivers a mixed bag of cinematic experience. On the positive side, the plot twist was genuinely surprising and added an exciting element to the narrative. The atmospheric tension was well-crafted, effectively drawing viewers into its eerie world. However, the story itself felt flat and somewhat disjointed. It was difficult to follow, leaving many questions unanswered and frustrating the overall viewing experience. Additionally, the ending was disappointing; it felt too simple and lacked the intensity and gore I had hoped for. While the film had potential, it ultimately fell short in delivering a cohesive and satisfying storyline.
  • henricksonfstaubakgtj - 20 June 2024
    This flick is straight fire.
    Yo, if you haven't seen The Watchers yet, you're seriously missing out! This flick is straight fire. The storyline is mad intriguing, and the suspense will keep you on the edge of your seat. The actors absolutely crush it, bringing some real depth to their characters.

    The cinematography? Next level. Every scene is visually stunning, and the way they build the atmosphere is pure genius. It's clear that a lot of love and hard work went into making this movie.

    Overall, The Watchers is a must-watch. It's got everything: drama, suspense, and top-notch performances. Do yourself a favor and check it out ASAP!
  • geddyneilalex28 - 17 June 2024
    It had a chance to be good.....
    I went to see this today for father's Day. I went in with very low expectations, however, about 20 min in, I turned to my wife and said, this might actually be ok. Well, then the third act began. By the time the film finally ended, I realized that not only was I wrong, but the very low expectations that I went with were too high. I can't believe that a concept with so many possibilities fell apart this completely. It went from a decent enough popcorn flick to a worse than you could imagine stinker.

    I mean, it was truly that bad.

    I would love for a director with talent to have a chance to make this film. Using this book as a basis, then expanded on, the story could be quite interesting.
  • JohnDeSando - 16 June 2024
    Good film for a first timer!
    Mina (Dakota Fanning) is lost in a very green Irish forest delivering a chatty parrot for her boss. She lets the bird know she doesn't like to be watched, yet she ends up in a remote shack called The Coop with three other poor souls watched nightly by a strange race of inhumans. Daniel can't keep from smartass comments, Ciara is a sweetheart, and most importantly, Madeline (Olwen Fouere), a supernatural suspect from the get go.

    Mina must obey the weird ones when they want the prisoners to perform as themselves (not to Mina's liking). Writer/director Chris Nash begins his voyeurism theme dedicated to performance, in a world where Facebook and other outlets support. Like it or not, she is observed while she is imprisoned.

    The director is M Night Shyamalan's daughter, so it follows not to be surprised at her contrived twists and not to be disappointed when she resorts to third-act revelations, many of which she could have flowing organically from the action itself. Mighty good slasher for a first-time helmer.