The Watchers

The Watchers (2024)★ 5.8/10

PG-13 · US,IE · 102 min · June 2, 2024

  • Fantasy
  • Horror
  • Mystery
  • Thriller

Directed by: Ishana Shyamalan

Written by: Ishana Shyamalan, A.M. Shine

The story of Mina, a 28-year-old artist, who becomes trapped in a vast forest in the west of Ireland. After finding shelter, she remains trapped with three strangers stalked by mysterious creatures.

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Reviews

AAlfreda_IngramSeptember 2, 2024
This movie isn't a total disaster, but it has some logical problems that keep it from telling the story as well as it could. The atmosphere and special effects are pretty cool, though, which helps make up for the plot flaws. But in 2024, the overdone story of "trauma + crisis + self-redemption + inner peace" just doesn't seem to grab people's attention as much anymore.
RRafael_EdwardsSeptember 2, 2024
It seems like this film team just threw together a random, convoluted idea for a story, even though the logic and character development don't make much sense. I'm unsure if the director fully understands what's going on in the story. And it feels like every main character in a movie these days has to have some kind of messed-up past, or else they can't really drive the story forward. The female lead just talks to the bad guy, and he's all healed, but the hero just randomly forgives himself and finds redemption. I was totally lost. I don't get why so many people are into this kind of story.
CConrad_JenkinsSeptember 2, 2024
I thought it'd be a unique and fascinating story, but it was just a retelling of an old Greek myth with a predictable plot. You could've guessed how it would end from the beginning, making the "twist" really dull. This work is just a waste for such a talented cast. But the poster design was amazing, which got me interested in the movie in the first place.
DDave_NormanAugust 23, 2024
The movie really gets going once it gets to the bunker part, but the beginning is so boring that you might even want to take a break. And then, after the bunker, the story just kind of skips over everything. There's no real development or explanation for what happens. The protagonist's story is really weak; the other characters feel like they're just there and don't have much depth. Overall, this movie has a great story idea, but the script is all over the place, and the actors and director just don't deliver.
BBrenda_ScottAugust 23, 2024
Even though this movie has a pretty basic setup and doesn't have a lot of scares, it tells a complete story with a pretty powerful message if you think about it deeply. This fairy-like evil spirit tries to blend in with humans by copying our looks and actions, but what really makes us human is our hearts and memories. That's why the old witch wakes up in the end. And the many plot twists is the highlight of the film.
MMitchell_HernandezAugust 23, 2024
The monster in this movie reminds me of Slender Man. The creativity and setting are decent, but the movie could've been a lot more exciting. Imagine if it was about aliens who'd been living among humans for ages—that would've been way more intriguing and believable. The final twist is definitely a highlight, but the ending feels a bit too simplistic. The girl just chats with the monster and the monster is moved by a few simple words? It feels so rushed.
MMclovinAugust 23, 2024
This movie is seriously captivating. It might seem scary, but it's very heartwarming. It reminds us that there's still a lot of good in the world. And those closing words from Mina really get you thinking about the good stuff that makes us human, like forming genuine friendship, trust, and forgiveness between all these strangers. Plus, the suspense in the movie is top-notch, and every piece of the story fits together seamlessly, making it feel like a complete package.
TTerry_YorkAugust 9, 2024
The idea behind this work is really creative, but it doesn't go deep enough into the stories of the mythical creatures, missing out on the chance to really explore their mystical charm. Some parts feel a little too predictable, and the pacing is a bit slow. The ending and twist feel rushed and boring. I think it would've been better if the storytelling had been more subtle and had dug deeper into the emotions. Still, overall, it's great in terms of imagination, with some really cool settings and unique, likable characters.
DDon_MossJuly 7, 2024
If you're like me who haven't read the book or know much about the original story, you'll be surprised by the plot of this movie. Sure, it might not have a solid scientific basis and isn't fully logical, but it's a satirical fable with a real-life takeaway. It reflects those people who love to snoop and imitate others. And that unexpected twist at the end is pretty shocking, too!
AAbbie_MarquezJuly 7, 2024
This is Ishana Shyamalan's directorial debut, which really shows her ambition in storytelling. Yeah, the details and overall framework still need some work, but "The Watchers" definitely tries to push the boundaries of genre films. It reveals real social issues and criticisms through suspense and mystery. If the movie could go even deeper with its unique audiovisual style, it could create an even stronger atmosphere based on Irish folklore.
DDavid_HernandezJuly 7, 2024
Overall, this movie is good, and I like the style. The atmosphere, character setting, and ending are all appealing. Even though the story framework needs some refinement, it's rare to see such a direct, concise film with characters that behave like normal human beings nowadays. There aren't a lot of characters, but all of them are quite well-developed. Still, it would be even better if the setting and background were polished up a bit more.
BBrooklyn_HuntJuly 7, 2024
This movie has a great concept and some brilliant ideas, but the story's core is kind of clichéd, and the ending is unsatisfying. The horror scenes are done well, but the director didn't dig deep enough into the subject. Despite the good ideas, it didn't really come together into a profound story.

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