M. Night Shyamalan Gains New Filmmaking Perspective from Daughter's Horror Film Debut

Ethan James 05 Jun 2024

M. Night Shyamalan reflects on how his role in his daughter, Ishana Night Shyamalan's first horror film, The Watchers, reshaped his perspective as a filmmaker. The title, known in the UK as The Watched is set to premiere in theaters this coming Friday. Notably, Shyamalan, a senior, was celebrated for his work on films like The Sixth Sense and Signs, which contributed significantly to the movie's creation.

Taking on dual roles as a producer and lead of the second unit, Shyamalan senior shared that his involvement in The Watchers fundamentally altered his approach to directing. This revelation came during an interview about the film, which he helped bring to fruition.

Based on a novel by A.M. Shine, the narrative centers around Mina, portrayed by Dakota Fanning, who finds herself lost in a dense Irish forest without electricity. Encountering a strange cabin with other lost individuals, Mina uncovers the eerie presence of The Watchers. These mysterious entities allow the cabin's occupants peace, provided they comply with specific stipulations and accept being observed every evening. Ishana Night Shyamalan takes the directorial reins and is credited for the screenplay.

"This role was familiar yet imbued with a novel purpose," remarked the director of Knock at the Cabin. He emphasized his dedication to fulfilling Ishana's vision: "It's her vision that I had to channel. This shift engendered a fresh motivational force within me during those directing moments."

He likened the experience to a rejuvenating back-to-basics journey, which reignited his passion for filmmaking. "It was as though I was relearning everything from scratch," he noted. "And that rejuvenation, seeing everything anew, has been transformative for my directorial outlook, especially for my upcoming projects."

His next project, Trap, features Josh Hartnett as a father attending a concert with his daughter. In a signature Shyamalan twist, the concert becomes a decoy in a police operation to apprehend a dangerous serial predator. This storyline hints at deeper layers yet to be unveiled.

The Watchers hit the big screen on June 7th, with Trap anticipated to follow on August 9th.