Watcher (2022)

This was just poorly written. So everything you wouldn't do, the writer makes the characters do, just to force an action. When she first spots the watcher she doesn't tell her husband. And when she finally tells him we get the old he doesn't believe her.

It was just one ridiculous scene after the other. Blame the writer who is also the director. Sophisticated writers don't make you aware of their writing, i.e. Character actions were motivated by the writer's need to create drama, which we need, but it has to come naturally, not forced through dumb decisions. For example, characters act against their own self-preservation and put themselves at risk when there was no need to. I didn't believe one thing she did.

If something consumes you, like the watcher you would be asking people around and sharing your story. It was just so cliche, we've seen this movie so many times before starting with Rear Window, Rosemary's Baby and this was no less predictable.

She couldn't find a cab, she had to take the train? I mean, really?

The acting was fine, which is rare these days, but even the authentic locations and good acting couldn't save this derivative film. The energy was just sluggish and the few interesting parts never developed into anything, like the girl neighbor, or the club. None of the characters were very likable, the husband being the least likable, and there is a very good reason for this stereotypical one-dimensional character, but if I reveal why this review will be deleted. Go read Okuno's interviews and you'll know what I am talking about.

Just a total distortion of reality.

Anyway, the lead was kinda annoying. At the end of the day, this was an incomplete script turned into a movie.

The worst part is that the director had to explain the ending in interviews. Apparently, it's a political commentary manifested through a story we have seen a million times. Go figure. I wish politics didn't get injected into everything these days.

Fmovies: I'm amazed that newb filmmaker Chloe Okuno - making her first full length feature film debut (with a few prior short films) as writer and director, created this near perfect little gem. Aside from needing to better direct some of her cast, her camera work and non-stop tension filled story could put some seasoned filmmakers to shame from what they've put out lately. This wasn't Hollywood-ish, and that's fine by me, but still managed to hold your attention, create enough suspense, and throw in some clever red herrings and twists, that only big Hollywood productions can create. Sure it could've had some more action and energy, but it was just right at 91 mins with the spot-on pacing. The cinematography was perfection as was the score. This genre has been filled up for some time, and although somewhat predicable and typical, it was just done right, as best as any pro could create with what they have. Okuno is certainly a filmmaker to keep an eye out for. I applaud her for this amazing little gem we all thoroughly enjoyed. A well deserved 8/10 from me.

This film is so slow that you could start it, go shopping at Walmart, come back 45 mins later and still not miss anything from the story, I kid you not. It finally becomes literally watchable in the last 15 mins....smdh. A story that could've been told in 30 mins was boringly stretched out to pay homage (in my opinion) to Romania. An hour and a half of absolute nothingness.....unreal.

Watcher fmovies. This movie doesn't want you to get your hopes too high - it is what it is, a nice thriller/horror that is a bit slow, but not boring. Has that style of old Dario Argento movies, which I love. It is better than most of new films, and has that old school suspense style, which is refreshing in the sea of new movies that are trying too hard to let you know they are "smart".

If you want to see something new, and there are not a lot of good options, Watcher is a good choice to... watch, for a quiet summer night.

Wow, just wow. I had no expectations about Watcher, but it turned out to be really good.

Like seriously, everything worked so well up until the ending, which felt somewhat disappointing and didn't make much sense. It wasn't the worst thing they could've done though, so thanks for that.

Actual care was put into the film and it shows. All the elements they have are nothing new, really, but these blend quite well. The unfamiliar environment, the language barrier, the fear, and the feeling of being misunderstood and left alone by the careless close ones. Great acting, great atmosphere, great music. Just overall a solid thriller that tried to step away from cliches as much as possible.

I can agree that the pacing was relatively slow, but it only helped absorb the atmosphere of what was happening.

A split 7.5/10 could've been an 8.5/10 if not for the ending that felt a little too much, although I get the message.

I am looking forward to new movies from the director.

My mind is kind of boggled at the people calling this film slow or saying that it's not scary. Sure this film isn't supernatural horror but as far as real life situations go this one is pretty terrifying. I also did not find this film slow at all. It expertly builds the tension (and your anxiety) and successfully puts you in the mindset of the main character. She spends her days completely alone in a new country and doesn't speak the language. Watching this you can feel her loneliness, isolation, and downward spiral that leaves us questioning what's real and what isn't. This film is also stylish and has a very traditional Hitchcock feel to it that makes it all the better. This is all complemented by incredible performances all around leading to an extremely effective psychological thriller.