The third act completely loses the plot and drags the entire film down with an illogical and confused message. The film has no idea what it is.

Full Review | Jun 17, 2024

The human search for self-forgiveness is at the base of ‘The Watchers,’ but the bigger story of the world (and others interacting with it) stretches the film in ways that don’t do what the story could be justice.

Full Review | Jun 17, 2024

The well-crafted film efficiently sets up a literal, nightmare-fueled mystery box. But the third act is a rushed tsunami of contrived exposition that results in an unsatisfactory ending. [Full Review in Spanish]

Full Review | Jun 16, 2024

Often, the contrived dialogue spells out what will happen or leaves little to the imagination.

Full Review | Original Score: C | Jun 15, 2024

The Watchers is not nearly as cerebral; it's less a political (or showbiz) allegory than a fable about our shared capacity for change. It's a theme that's ultimately addressed so plangently that it has the opposite effect and borders on goofiness...

Full Review | Jun 15, 2024

A handsomely mounted, well-cast, high-concept bit of folderol that swings wildly at a soft, underhand pitch…and misses.

Full Review | Original Score: 2/4 | Jun 15, 2024

Anyone who goes in with the wrong expectations will probably just find The Watchers baffling. It has its share of creepy moments, rising tension, and sudden-blast-of-music jump scares, but as a suspense story, it fizzles out surprisingly early.

Full Review | Original Score: 67/100 | Jun 14, 2024

The Watchers is a sharply satisfying horror thriller thanks to a crackling cast, unnerving sound design, stomach-churning creatures, and an emotional story that offers far more than cheap thrills.

Full Review | Jun 14, 2024

Intriguingly cloaked in erudite allusions to Irish legend and fairytale, it refrains from proselytising while keeping you guessing until the final flourish.

Full Review | Original Score: 4/5 | Jun 14, 2024

Abel Korzeniowski’s portentous score does pair nicely with Eli Arenson’s lush and moody cinematography. But the script... is a muddle of expository conversation, half-developed threads, and plot holes wider than the Watchers’ traps.

Full Review | Jun 14, 2024

A film that starts on a promising note with a cool buildup and some impressive first-time directing. But Shyamalan leaves too many loose ends and there’s not enough of a payoff to help us look past them.

Full Review | Original Score: 2.5/5 | Jun 14, 2024

This debut as she steps out into the filmmaking scene proves she has an undeniable knack for character work and an eye for world building. We can't wait to see what's next for the rising filmmaker.

Full Review | Jun 13, 2024

Ishana may well have a shining career in horror ahead of her—if she can escape the narrative sins of her father.

Full Review | Jun 13, 2024

While this isn’t a bad idea for a low-impact horror movie there is a rusted-on dullness to proceedings that first-time director Ishana Shyamalan.

Full Review | Original Score: 2/5 | Jun 13, 2024

The thrills were lacking, and the time spent inside the isolated location was riddled with exposition dumps and poor dialogue.

Full Review | Original Score: 4/10 | Jun 13, 2024

With stunning visuals and great performances, The Watched puts on display some excellent filmmaking techniques. However, its tendency to over-explain leaves a lot to be desired within the story-line.

Full Review | Original Score: 3/5 | Jun 13, 2024

The setup of the movie is done very well. The script for The Watchers is so full of plot holes and doesn't bother to explain anything all in the name of creating tension.

Full Review | Jun 12, 2024

The scenario also felt like a not to subtle dig at consumers of media. Cue Maddy from “Euphoria” asking, “Wait. Is this fucking play about us?”

Full Review | Jun 12, 2024

The Watchers could have been scarier, but that's the only gripe about a film that's no chore to, well, you know what.

Full Review | Original Score: 3/5 | Jun 12, 2024

I enjoyed this film for what it was.

Full Review | Original Score: 6/10 | Jun 11, 2024