The Watchers Review – IGN

Exploring The Watchers

Observing The Watchers, the eerie and twisty first film by Ishana Night Shyamalan, is like witnessing a talent that runs in the family. Coming from a background working on sets for various projects, Ishana clearly inherits some creative flair from her famous father, M. Night Shyamalan, who is known for his suspenseful storytelling. Despite any flaws, this supernatural thriller showcases the positive side of Hollywood’s tradition of giving opportunities to children of industry veterans.

The movie follows a group of strangers trapped in a mysterious house in an Irish forest, under constant surveillance by unseen watchers. The setup is intriguing, leaving some questions unanswered and adding to the suspense. As the plot unfolds, it becomes clear that the characters are being monitored for unknown reasons.

The Characters of The Watchers

The new addition to the group, Mina, joins a diverse cast of characters each dealing with their own struggles and past. The group dynamics are tense, with the oldest member, Madeline, trying to maintain order based on the rules imposed by the watchers. As the story progresses, viewers are left wondering about the true nature of the threats lurking in the shadows.

While the film blends elements of mystery and suspense reminiscent of M. Night Shyamalan’s previous works, it also introduces its own twists and turns. The eventual reveal is skillfully executed, keeping the audience engaged despite some visual effects limitations.

Critiquing The Watchers

However, upon closer inspection, The Watchers may not hold up well under scrutiny. The plot raises more questions than it answers, leading to inconsistencies and questionable character motivations. Despite the potential for allegorical interpretations, the film falls short in fully exploring its thematic layers and character development.

While the film offers glimpses of Ishana’s budding talent, particularly in creating suspenseful moments, the overall execution leaves room for improvement. The characters, including Mina, lack depth and struggle to resonate on a deeper level with the audience.

There are glimmers of real craft in Shyamalan’s fledgling vision.

In the end, The Watchers is more engaging before all the answers are revealed, hinting at a potential for greater storytelling in the future. Despite its flaws, the film manages to deliver some surprises, staying true to the Shyamalan legacy of mind-bending narratives.