Entertainment Blog #255 | The Watchers [2024] : They are Watching from the Woods..

"The Watchers" weaves a narrative that resonates deeply with the struggles of ordinary life. Mina, the protagonist, grapples with the profound guilt and grief of causing her mother’s death, an emotional burden that has estranged her from her twin sister. Her journey through the eerie, supernatural landscape mirrors the often arduous path we tread while facing our inner demons and seeking redemption. Mina’s story of isolation, responsibility, and the quest for reconciliation reflects the universal human experience of confronting and overcoming our darkest fears.

"The Watchers" is a 2024 American supernatural horror film marking the directorial debut of Ishana Night Shyamalan, daughter of the renowned M. Night Shyamalan, who also produced the film. Based on A. M. Shine’s 2022 novel of the same name, the movie features a stellar cast including Dakota Fanning, Georgina Campbell, Olwen Fouere, and Oliver Finnegan. Warner Bros. Pictures released the film theatrically in the United States on June 7, 2024. Despite the anticipation surrounding its release, the film received mixed to negative reviews from critics and managed to gross $30.5 million worldwide.

Mina, an American immigrant working in a Galway pet shop, is haunted by the accidental death of her mother fifteen years ago, which has also driven a wedge between her and her twin sister, Lucy. Tasked with delivering a rare golden conure parrot to a zoo in Belfast, Mina’s journey takes a dark turn when her car breaks down, leaving her stranded in a dense forest. Here, she encounters Madeline, an enigmatic old woman, who leads her to 'The Coop', a bunker-like refuge shared with Ciara and Daniel. As Mina acclimates to her new surroundings, she learns of the sinister Watchers, mysterious entities that surveil the Coop’s occupants nightly.

Madeline reveals the terrifying rules: the Watchers kill anyone outside the Coop at night and detest sunlight, retreating to underground Burrows during the day. The tension heightens as Mina, exploring a Burrow with Daniel, narrowly escapes a Watcher. The arrival of Ciara’s husband, John, who fails to verify his identity, leads to a harrowing encounter that further strains the group's fragile unity. The Coop’s atmosphere grows increasingly hostile, culminating in a night where Daniel locks Mina and Madeline out, forcing them to face the Watchers. The creatures, revealed to be shapeshifting fairies, attempt to mimic humans, leading to a chilling showdown.

As winter deepens, the group’s dynamics struggle. A desperate attempt to escape through a hidden underground study reveals the Coop’s origins. Mina discovers video diaries of Professor Rory Kilmartin, the creator of the Coop, who had studied and even bonded with the fairies. His tragic end offers the group a glimmer of hope and a possible escape route. Following Kilmartin's directions, the survivors navigate the forest, guided by the parrot Darwin. However, the journey is fraught with danger, and as they reach the edge of the forest, a final deadly encounter with a Watcher leaves them questioning their safety. The gripping climax leads to revelations that turn their understanding of the Watchers on its head, setting the stage for a final, desperate confrontation.

"The Watchers" stands apart from other horror films through its unique blend of supernatural terror and deep emotional undercurrents. While many horror movies rely on jump scares and gore, this film delves into psychological horror, exploring themes of guilt, redemption, and the human psyche. The incorporation of Celtic folklore and the eerie, atmospheric setting in the Irish forest add a rich, cultural layer to the narrative, making it a hauntingly original experience.

Despite its ambitious premise, "The Watchers" received largely negative reviews from critics. The film holds a 32% rating on Rotten Tomatoes, with an average score of 4.9/10, and a Metacritic score of 46 out of 100, indicating mixed reviews. Critics pointed to an obtuse script and an over-reliance on mood over substance. Comparisons to Ishana Night Shyamalan’s father were inevitable, with many finding her directorial style to be a pale imitation. While the film's atmosphere was praised, it ultimately failed to maintain the tension, leading to a sense of tedium.

At the box office, "The Watchers" grossed $18.3 million in the United States and Canada, and $12.2 million in other territories, for a worldwide total of $30.5 million. It debuted at $7 million, finishing fourth in its opening weekend. Despite the financial underperformance and critical reception, the film showcases Ishana Night Shyamalan’s potential as a director with a distinctive voice. While "The Watchers" may not have lived up to its initial promise, it serves as an intriguing entry into the horror genre, leaving audiences curious about Shyamalan’s future projects.