The Watchers (2024)

"More promising than good."

"Its framework may feel inherited, but its mood is its own and it’s filled with new, unexpected ideas."

"It’s more functional than fully formed."

"Goes from intriguing to absurd."

"It’s No Exit reimagined as an escape room, and you’re stuck with your crazy aunt."

"A decent supernatural flick."

"(A) suspense-free horror debut."

"Unlike the foursome at the centre of it... you can always get up and leave."

"Clearly a first film, with the promise and the problems that come with it."

"Blends folklore with horror movie tropes for a pedestrian attempt at scares."

"Hints of interesting ideas... lore-ish hokum, and some concussively literal-minded dialogue."

"Muddled and incoherent."

"Lots of ambition but little finesse."

"Shyamalan 2.0 is shaping up to be an elegant filmmaker whose storytelling could use more torque."

"The pacing’s a trudge."

"As mid-list horror goes, perfectly fine."

"Shyamalan gets too caught up in mythological exposition to instill any tension or scares."

"Pacing is a conspicuous problem."

"Between the clunky narrative and the Interesting Shots, you feel defeated by both show and tell."

"Ishana Night Shyamalan has big things ahead of her, hopefully including some storytelling lessons."

"Ultimately, I liked the concept... more than the final product."