The Watchers Movie Review : Ambition without execution

Story: After getting stranded in a vast, pristine forest, a young artist finds shelter only to get trapped with three strangers, stalked by mysterious creatures each night.

Review: Based on A.M. Shine's novel, 'The Watchers' marks the directorial debut of Ishana Night Shyamalan, daughter of renowned filmmaker M. Night Shyamalan. It attempts to weave horror and suspense with a metaphorical depth reminiscent of her father's work. A troubled young woman, Mina (Dakota Fanning), becomes trapped in a supernatural ordeal after her car breaks down in a dense, eerie forest. Seeking refuge in a bunker, Mina joins three other captives—Madeleine (Olwen Fouéré), Ciara (Georgina Campbell), and Daniel (Oliver Finnegan). Together, they must adhere to strict rules to survive the nightly visits of the mysterious 'watchers'.

One of the film's strengths lies in its cast. Dakota Fanning delivers a compelling performance as Mina, effectively portraying her character's trauma and resilience. Olwen Fouéré stands out as Madeleine, adding a layer of creepiness and depth to her role. Though limited in dialogue, Georgina Campbell captivates with her presence, and Oliver Finnegan provides solid support. Visually, the film captures the haunting beauty of the Irish woods, creating an atmosphere of isolation and dread. The design of the forest creatures, particularly in the darkness, generates tension and unease. Using a single DVD set of a reality TV show as the captives' only form of entertainment is a clever device, adding a layer of commentary on reality TV culture. The watchers' fascination with human behaviour and their attempt to mimic it is compelling.

Despite the promising setup, 'The Watchers' struggles to maintain momentum. The pacing is uneven, with a third act that drags and an anticlimactic ending. This is a significant letdown, considering the intriguing premise and initial buildup. Moreover, the film's reliance on exposition-heavy dialogue hampers its storytelling. Characters frequently engage in lengthy monologues that disrupt the narrative flow, offering clunky explanations rather than allowing the plot to unfold organically. This over-reliance on verbal exposition detracts from the film's ability to build genuine suspense and engagement. While 'The Watchers' showcases Ishana Night Shyamalan's potential as a filmmaker, it also highlights her inexperience. The film is ambitious but falters in execution, resulting in an uneven and unsatisfying horror experience. Nevertheless, it is a debut that suggests promise for Shyamalan's future in the genre, provided she refines her storytelling craft.