A young artist gets stranded in an extensive, immaculate forest in western Ireland, where, after finding shelter, she becomes trapped alongside three strangers, stalked by mysterious creatures each night.
The Watchers, directed by Ishana Shyamalan and written by Shyamalan and A.M. Shine, is an atmospheric horror film that carries the burden of expectations often associated with the Shyamalan name. However, Ishana Shyamalan diverges from the narrative twists commonly associated with her father's works, instead opting for a more straightforward storytelling approach. Despite its potential and moments of brilliance, the film ultimately falters due to a script that fails to maintain tension and fully explore its intriguing themes.
The story revolves around Mina (Dakota Fanning), who finds herself trapped in a mysterious and ominous forest, along with a small group of others. The film opens with a gripping prologue, setting a high bar for suspense and horror as a terrified backpacker attempts to flee the woods, only to be dragged away by an unseen force. This sequence showcases Shyamalan's skill in creating a gothic atmosphere and palpable tension. However, as the focus shifts to Mina, the initial momentum dissipates.
The film presents a set of specific rules, such as "Don't go outside after dark" or "Don't turn your back on the mirror," which initially promise an intriguing exploration of horror. Yet, these rules ultimately lack substantial payoff, as the narrative struggles to provide meaningful answers or consequences. The script often resorts to telling rather than showing, with clunky dialogue that undermines the mystery and atmosphere the film attempts to build. This reliance on exposition over subtlety diminishes the tension and mystery that are crucial to a successful horror narrative.
Visually, The Watchers is a triumph. Cinematographer Eli Arenson captures the haunting beauty of the forest and the oppressive ambience of the characters' imprisonment. The film's production design, lighting, and camera work contribute to an eerie and unsettling atmosphere. The minimalistic sets and sound design enhance the sense of an omnipresent, ever-watching threat lurking in the forests of Ireland. Composer Abel Korzeniowski's score further amplifies the film's atmospheric dread, teetering on the edge of ethereal quality.
Despite these strong technical aspects, the narrative fails to fully commit to its potential as a psychological thriller or gothic horror. The plot flirts with compelling ideas about identity, perspective, and the primal fear of being watched, but these themes remain underexplored. The backstory of the Watchers, the mysterious entities that seemingly govern the rules of this secluded world, becomes increasingly convoluted and less engaging as the story progresses.
Dakota Fanning delivers a solid performance as Mina, effectively conveying a mix of despair and hope in her dire circumstances. However, her character's resigned acceptance of her fate feels at odds with the gravity of the situation, making her reactions less relatable. The other characters, portrayed by Georgina Campbell and Olwen Fouéré, add to the dynamic but fail to fully flesh out the narrative's potential. The lack of depth in character development further hampers the film's emotional impact and engagement.
One of the film's significant shortcomings is its extended twist ending, which spans nearly twenty minutes and includes multiple revelations. Rather than heightening the suspense, this overextended conclusion dilutes the impact of each twist, leaving the audience with a sense of narrative exhaustion. The film, which initially seemed poised to deliver a concise and impactful story, drags on past its natural conclusion, weakening its overall effect.
While The Watchers aspires to explore psychological and mythological themes, it ultimately feels like a superficial projection atop a compelling premise. Shyamalan juggles numerous big ideas, but the connections between theme and narrative often remain tenuous. The film's ambition to delve into the psychological ramifications of isolation, abuse, and guilt is commendable, yet it falls short of a cohesive and satisfying exploration.
Despite its narrative shortcomings, The Watchers is not without merit. The film's visual appeal, atmospheric tension, and strong performances make it a worthwhile experience for fans of the horror genre. However, the missed opportunities in the script and narrative development prevent it from achieving the greatness it hints at. Ishana Shyamalan demonstrates a keen eye for production design and atmosphere, but the film's reliance on exposition and lack of thematic depth ultimately leave it feeling narratively hollow.
The Watchers is a film that showcases the potential of its director and creative team but struggles to fully realize that potential. The film's atmospheric visuals and effective performances are overshadowed by a script that fails to sustain tension and explore its intriguing themes adequately. While it offers glimpses of brilliance, The Watchers ultimately falls short of delivering a truly memorable horror experience.
The Watchers was released in NZ cinemas on June 13, 2024