Our company, Jules Family Vision, once again had the privilege of attending an early screening of Warner Bros.’ latest release, “The Watchers,” on Wednesday, June 5th, at AMC Boston Common, 175 Tremont St, Boston.

Our co-founder, actor Jimmy C. Jules, shares his thoughts on the film, delving into the performances, direction, and overall execution. The movie is scheduled to be released in theaters on June 7th.

THE WATCHERS REVIEW – Sneak Peek Trailer.

Jimmy faced quite an adventure getting to the screening of “The Watcher.” He received Madeline’s e-mail about the event days prior, noting the date and time, and confirmed his attendance. However, he assumed it would be at the usual IMAX theater at Assembly Row in Somerville.

When it was time to head out, he finally checked the e-mail and realized the screening was actually at AMC Boston Common, 175 Tremont St, Boston…right during rush hour. Jimmy said he arrived just in time to see Dakota Fanning’s character, Mina, in the woods with a pet parrot named Darwin, and Olwen Fouéré’s character, Madeline, opening the door to the coop, giving Mina five seconds before sealing it. This is where his review of the movie begins, as he missed the first part. That part he described was in the official film trailer, so no spoilers there. Jimmy mused that maybe those missed minutes could have changed his opinion of the movie, but he highly doubts it.

NY premiere of “The Watchers.”

Jimmy found “The Watchers” to be a perplexing and ultimately unsatisfying film. Despite missing the first 15 minutes due to a mix-up with the screening location, he quickly caught up with the storyline. Directed by Ishana Night Shyamalan, the film struggled with pacing and character development from the outset. The initial hour lacked real tension or scares, making it hard to engage with the plot.

Shyamalan’s direction showed moments of visual elegance, hinting at her potential as a filmmaker. Dakota Fanning’s performance as Mina was a highlight, particularly in scenes where her character navigates the eerie woods with her pet parrot, Darwin. However, the film’s attempt to build suspense by withholding key plot details until the final act felt more frustrating than intriguing. By the time the big reveal came, any potential impact was lost.

Olwen Fouéré’s role as Madeline brought some intrigue, but the film’s overall lack of depth and coherence undermined her performance. Despite these bright spots, “The Watchers” fell short of its potential. Jimmy remains hopeful that Shyamalan’s future projects will better showcase her directorial capabilities.

Jimmy observed that not even a stellar cast could save “The Watchers.” Dakota Fanning, who delivered the best performance as Mina, played a character that was intentionally flat and emotionally broken. However, this approach did not work when every other character in the film was equally one-dimensional. Mina’s character felt lifeless, and the supporting cast did little to enhance the material.

Despite these criticisms, Jimmy saw potential in the film’s young director. The debut effort by the daughter of the “Unbreakable” filmmaker shows she has the talent to follow in her father’s footsteps, even if the material here begged for a more original approach. The film’s premise, where Mina takes refuge in a stark concrete building known as “The Coop” after her car breaks down in an unmarked forest, had the makings of an intriguing thriller. Inside “The Coop,” Mina and other characters perform nightly in front of a two-way mirror for an unseen audience, with severe consequences for those who fail to entertain. This setup had the potential for significant suspense and psychological drama, but the film ultimately failed to deliver on these fronts.

The story centers around Mina, who finds herself in a forest that symbolically and literally draws in lost souls. This setting, combined with the unsettling premise of performing nightly in front of a two-way mirror, initially promises an engaging thriller. However, the film falters in developing its characters. Mina’s self-loathing and guilt are hinted at through sparse backstory and minimal dialogue, failing to evoke much empathy. Other characters, like Daniel, Madeline, and Ciara, are shallow and underdeveloped, serving more as plot devices than fully realized individuals.

Despite these flaws, the film has its moments of tension, particularly when Mina explores the forest and confronts the unknown. Shyamalan’s skill in building suspense is evident in these scenes, even if they rely heavily on jump scares. Her use of deep, atmospheric blues and painterly framing, complemented by a haunting violin score, adds an eerie ambiance.

Yet, the promising start quickly unravels. After building up the mystery, “The Watchers” rushes toward a convoluted and unsatisfying conclusion. The sudden flood of exposition not only undermines the suspense but also reveals the film’s central twist in a clumsy manner. This abrupt shift leaves the audience feeling disconnected from the characters and the story.

In the end, “The Watchers” attempts to explore themes of identity and legacy but stumbles in execution. The final reveal, reliant on awkward flashbacks, fails to deliver the intended impact. Jimmy believes Ishana Shyamalan has the potential to forge her own path in filmmaking, distinct from her father’s influence. However, this debut highlights the need for more refined storytelling in her future projects. “The Watchers” shows promise but also underscores the necessity of narrative and thematic polish.

Michelle’s Immediate Thoughts on ‘The Watchers’

For those who want to save an hour and forty-two minutes, this review might suffice. But if you’re curious, go judge for yourself. As Jimmy said, “I sat through it for you guys.” He personally thinks this is a movie that will get lost in the shuffle once other films start releasing this summer.