M. Night Shyamalan’s Daughter’s Critically Panned Film Gains Popularity on Streaming After Platform Switch

M. Night Shyamalan has a mixed legacy in the film industry. His breakout hit, The Sixth Sense, which debuted in 1999, is still celebrated as a milestone in horror cinema. This film, along with its successors, has made Shyamalan synonymous with the concept of a twist ending. While this signature style has garnered him acclaim, it has also attracted criticism, as some viewers feel he leans too heavily on this narrative device. Despite a few notable successes, Shyamalan’s filmography includes several poorly received projects, such as The Last Airbender, After Earth, and The Happening.

In a significant turn of events for the renowned director, 2024 marked the entry of his two daughters into the film world. Suleka Shyamalan made her acting debut in her father’s psychological horror movie, Trap, portraying Lady Raven, a pop star reminiscent of Taylor Swift. Meanwhile, Ishana Shyamalan, his other daughter, stepped into the director’s role, launching her own horror film this year. Although it faced initial criticism, this film is now enjoying renewed attention on streaming platforms.

The Watchers: A Streaming Sensation

Ishana Shyamalan’s Directorial Debut

Scene from The Watchers showing characters in a mirrored room

Scene from The Watchers showcasing the eerie atmosphere

Character Daniel sitting at a table in The Watchers

Another chilling moment from The Watchers

The Watchers has rapidly gained popularity on streaming platforms, particularly Netflix. This film serves as the directorial and writing debut of Ishana Shyamalan and was produced by M. Night Shyamalan alongside Nimitt Mankad and Ashwin Rajan. The horror narrative centers on a woman stranded in the remote Irish wilderness, who initially trusts a group of seemingly kind strangers, only to discover her dire predicament as unsettling creatures lurk nearby. Despite receiving a lackluster 32% on the Tomatometer and a 50% audience score, the film has found a considerable audience online.

As of January 10, The Watchers has landed the number 4 spot on Netflix’s U.S. charts, up from number 5 earlier in the month. It follows behind popular titles such as Carry-On, The Six Triple Eight, and Interstellar. Directly below it, one can find a variety of films, including Dune: Part Two, Godzilla x Kong: The New Empire, and Furiosa: A Mad Max Saga.

Analyzing The Watchers’ Surprising Success

The Watchers Makes Its Debut on Netflix

Cast of The Watchers featuring Dakota Fanning

The release of The Watchers initially elicited mixed reactions and ultimately fell short at the box office, making its current success on Netflix quite unexpected. The film’s recent addition to the streaming service may have played a vital role in this resurgence, as new releases often attract significant viewership. Given its rise on the charts, it will be intriguing to see if audiences begin to re-evaluate their initial perceptions of this Shyamalan family project.

Source: Netflix

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