The Watchers
⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ 1/2 (out of 5)
In the world of suspenseful horror cinema, there are few names as recognisable as M. Night Shyamalan (Knock at the Cabin, Old). He has gone through career highs and lows that come with being in the movie-making business, but he continues to produce hits that shake audiences' nerves into submission. He has also mentored a new filmmaker who happens to be his daughter, Ishana Night Shyamalan. An accomplished director/producer who has worked alongside her father through some of his recent productions and directed episodes in the television series, Servant.
Now is her time to shine as she directs her vision of A.M Shine’s novel, The Watchers. As her father takes a back seat as producer, the training wheels come off, and his child enters the cinematic landscape for her maiden venture. A story that immerses audiences in the murky, foggy greenery of western Ireland. Mina (Dakota Fanning) is an artist who has lost her way in life and has a similar experience as she travels through the countryside during a business trip. When her car stops suddenly, the young American happens upon an unexpected shelter that looks to provide her protection from the elements. Yet, unbeknownst to her, she has entered an inconspicuous haven inhabited by three strangers. Each has come upon this bunker at different times and realise it is more of a trap than a shelter. The group explains to Mina that they are being watched and stalked by a pack of dark and enigmatic creatures every night. An experience that proves to be more mysterious as nothing is as it seems, and Mina must decide if she will stay or risk her life to escape.
Like most of Shyamalan’s productions, the less said, the better for all interested in this suspenseful fantasy style associated with the filmmaker. Granted, this is Ishana’s film, but the creative influence of her famous father is evident from the beginning to the unexpected conclusion. Each twist and turn offers another unexpected layer, while plausible for those willing to go along with the mystical aspects of this storyline. This first-time director proves that she has the skills to deliver a well throughout the adventure that will draw the audience into its dreary atmosphere, despite some obvious plot holes that may cause some distractions, but not enough to take away from the value of the movie. As a maiden venture into the genre of suspenseful fantasy, this Shyamalan has the chops to yearn for more. Dakota Fanning carries the film with an excellent supporting cast who will keep you off balance until the end.
The Watchers is worth discovering, even if you are not a M. Night Shyamalan or horror fan. Ishana Night Shyamalan deserves our attention, and this film is one of the best options in cinemas for those who love this genre. A.M. Shine’s novel gets an wonderful interpretation that should have audiences clamouring to be watchers themselves.
REEL DIALOGUE: Do we have anything to fear?
What is the appeal of horror films? Most fans surveyed have stated that the attraction of this genre is a good scare with the knowledge that by the end there will be a positive outcome. The expected tension of this type of film is seeing the creatures that represent pure evil will eventually be discovered and destroyed. The only thing that possibly makes this bearable is the inclusion of a heroic saviour figure to balance out the evil. Mina’s inclusion into these captive humans provides a counter to the viscous nature of the Watchers.
Many people think that their lives are a reflection of horror films. Despite the degree of pain experienced by each person in this world, one thing that can bring solace is that mankind also has an advocate and saviour to rescue us from evil through the person of Jesus Christ.
The story of the Bible tells us that sin has caused mankind to fall out of relationship with God and into the horrific hands of eternal death. However, Jesus’ death on the cross has meant that we can be restored in our relationship with God by trusting in His death on our behalf, which leads to eternal life.
Want to find out more? Check out one of the biographies of Jesus: Luke
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