With a suffocating atmosphere, supernatural horror with Dakota Fanning arrives on Netflix

The terror The Observers arrived in the Netflix catalog bringing a simple but extremely effective proposal: the absolute fear of being observed. Starring Dakota Fanning and directed by Ishana Night Shyamalan – daughter of M. Night Shyamalan – the film adapts the book of the same name by AM Shine and immerses the viewer in a plot of isolation, paranoia and dark folklore.

The story follows Mina (Fanning), a young American artist who lives in Ireland and, after a mishap on the road, ends up getting lost in a remote forest. Seeking shelter, she finds a small concrete bunker where three strangers are already confined. Soon, she discovers the most important rule of that place: at dusk, mysterious creatures observe each of the inhabitants through a large mirrored window, as if it were a human aquarium.

Suffocating atmosphere and creatures

With this premise, the film builds a climate of constant tension, sustained by uncertainty about the origin, intention and appearance of these creatures – simply called “Observers”. Part of the film’s strength lies in exactly what is not shown, exploring the fear of the unknown, distant sounds and the suffocating feeling of always being watched.

The Irish forest functions as a separate character, always dense, humid and threatening. It is in this oppressive scenario that Mina and the other survivors try to find ways to escape, even though they know that any false step could end in death.

Dakota Fanning shines and Ishana Shyamalan shows confidence in directing

Dakota Fanning leads the film with an intense and sensitive performance, balancing vulnerability and determination. She is accompanied by a cast that delivers solid performances, reinforcing the claustrophobic atmosphere that dominates much of the narrative.

Ishana Shyamalan demonstrates confidence in her directorial debut, focusing on silences, framing that suggests invisible presences and a slow build-up of suspense, following her father’s tradition, but imprinting her own style – more contemplative, less dependent on sudden twists and turns.

A third act that divides opinions

Despite praise for the setting, The Observers divides opinions when it comes to the third act. Critics point out that the film relies on long explanations and a less impactful outcome than the first half promises.

Still, the work maintains an efficient psychological horror, guided more by atmosphere than by explicit scares, which brings it closer to recent productions that prefer to explore uneasiness instead of shock.

Why watch The Observers

For those who enjoy thrillers set in inhospitable places, stories about isolation and films that evoke primal fears – like being watched, chased or manipulated by something you can’t see – The Observers It’s an immersive and disturbing experience.

The film also dialogues with elements of Irish folklore and plays with the border between reality, myth and hallucination, which increases the interest of those looking for something beyond traditional horror.

The Observers is available on Netflix.

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