The Watchers

The Watchers-1080P

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Isana Shyamalan, daughter of famous director M. Night Shyamalan, makes her directorial debut with this original, atmospheric, metaphysical horror film. Shot entirely in Ireland, the film was directed by A. M. It is adapted from Shine's novel of the same name. It is based on the tales told by local people, called folk horror. Shyamalan's familiar cinematic universe draws attention here as well, we can clearly say that he was inspired by his father. Dakota Fanning's acting adds to the tension of the film. I see that the viewers are divided into two, they either liked it or criticized it. I, actually liked it pretty much. It is a decent horror movie, with good cinematography..

As someone that read and thoroughly enjoyed AM Shine's novel The Watchers, I was really interested in seeing the movie. I never go to the theater, so this was a real treat and I was incredibly let down by this film. Now I understand that there will be differences when a book is brought to screen and often times creative liberty is taken. This is almost a completely different story than the one I read, unfortunately. The book is fantastic and the character development, the terror of the antagonists, the plot and twists are so much deeper than what was shown on screen. Of course movies typically pale in comparison to books, but the characters aren't even really the same. Names and backstories have been completely changed, lore has been altered, the story isn't the story. The acting is flat and the pacing is weird with multiple plot holes. It all felt rushed. If I hadn't spent so much on movie tickets, I would have left the theater and found a better use for my time because this was incredibly disappointing. My suggestion is that if you have read the novel and enjoyed it, skip the movie.

Being limited for choice I decided to watch this movie. I had low expectations seeing the name Shylaman attached to it, as his movies can be hit and miss. I only realised the 'I' after to see it was his daughter. It's quite similar to his style of filmmaking, but I felt it actually delivered n there weren't many holes in the plot. Definitely deserves higher than 5.8 average. I wouldn't really call it a horror movie so if there are those that a bit apprehensive about watching it because of the genre, although is quite unsettling. If in the mood for a relatively straightforward film and not too fussy, give it a go. You won't be disappointed!

So, having seen some previews of this, & of course, seeing the surname of the girl making this film, I knew it was going to be "one of those" types of horrors. A young artist gets stranded in an extensive, immaculate forest in western Ireland, where, after finding shelter, she becomes trapped alongside 3 strangers, stalked by mysterious creatures each night. I found the film to be ok. It's not something I'd watch again, never mind recommend to anyone. It's a slow burner type of horror which, works better as a Novel (this film is based off of that said Novel) & is pretty much a chore to watch. The story is different & I guess you can say, unique, but, it just doesn't cut it & becomes pretty muddled & all over the place by the time the 3rd act rolls around. The characters play the roles good enough, the setting is pleasant enough & the horror is alright despite lacking. The film is "out there", but too "out there" for its own good. You barley "see" anything worth while or anything remotely horror like & when you do, it's not exactly the pay off of the year if you know what I mean. There's not much of a body count to speak of, never mind any gore or blood which is seriously scarce here. The visuals of "The Watchers" were not bad, but not exactly scary or even that sinister. The runtime is long at 1 hour & 35 minutes & has poor pacing, especially near the end where it drags on & on & on. The ending is just out there & the explanation isn't worth while or interesting. The fact that only women survived at the end is typical, but that was only adding insult to injury as the film was pretty poor to be honest. Aside from a bit of eye candy & the little horror we got, but it wasn't even close to a quarter to save this one. Overall, it's clear the writer, director & producer, takes after her father. The film is very much what he would direct. But, that's not exactly a good thing as his films are pretty much hit & misses with me. Don't expect much with this one if you do go & see it. It's not much cop & you'll be bored as I was. 2/10.

The Watchers proves the apple really doesn't fall far from the tree for Ishana Night Shyamalan. Just like most of her father's output, this is a handsomely mounted picture that struggles when it comes to the dialogue. What starts off as a slow burning thriller obsessed with voyeurism eventually gets wilder and more baffling with every twist and turn. Dakota Fanning gives a reserved lead performance which comes with standard issue trauma to overcome and she makes it work with a muted presence. Georgina Campbell, Oliver Finnegan, and Olwen Fouéré all do a good job with characters written in very broad strokes. Olwen Fouréré in particular really sells the sense of fear for the first half. Ishana Night Shyamalan's direction makes up for all the ham-fisted exposition with visual dynamism. Before it goes wild in that second half, there's a strong atmosphere that revels in the fear of the unknown to great effect and even when it goes off the rails later on, the bold swings are still appreciated. Abel Korzeniowski's score keeps it investing thanks to its mysterious nature.