My first tip for watching The Watchers: don’t do it alone. Not because it’s too scary (though it is plenty unsettling), but because you’ll want someone nearby to whisper “What the heck just happened?” at least three times.
Directed by Ishana Shyamalan, The Watchers is a taut, atmospheric thriller that’s equal parts haunting and claustrophobic. It follows Mina (played by Dakota Fanning), a stranded artist who stumbles upon a community eerily committed to monitoring the forest for mysterious “visitors.” If you think this sounds like the setup for a slow-burn psychological drama, buckle up—it’s more like being trapped in a pressure cooker, with the heat dialed up to 11.
Shyamalan brings a visual elegance to the film, her direction rich with evocative imagery. The New England forest, blanketed in mist and shadows, is practically a character itself—both beautiful and menacing. Every frame feels carefully crafted under the lens of cinematographer Eli Arenson, whose atmospheric and minimalist approach amplifies the film’s haunting tone. Steeped in shadows and tinged with shades of melancholy, Arenson’s meticulous use of lighting and composition transforms the setting into a character of its own, heightening the tension and drawing viewers deeper into the eerie narrative.
The story, based on the novel by A.M. Shine, walks a fine line between existential horror and outright terror. It flirts with big ideas—what it means to see, to be seen, and to believe—but sometimes fumbles in its execution. The script’s pacing wavers in the second act, where the tension slackens just when you crave a tighter grip.
Fanning is riveting, her performance a masterclass in controlled panic and raw vulnerability. She’s skillfully supported by Georgina Campbell (Ciara) whose grounded, pragmatic presence offsets the film’s escalating weirdness. However, the supporting characters can feel more like chess pieces than full fleshed people, which dulls some of the emotional stakes.
While the final act delivers on suspense, the “twist” might leave some viewers cold—it’s one of those love-it-or-hate-it endings that will spark debate long after the credits roll.
For fans of cerebral horror with a splash of existential dread, The Watchers is worth your time. Just don’t expect it to hold your hand—or answer all your questions.
RHFC Rating: 7.5/10 🍿
