Previously working on short films like “Slut” and “Full Circle,” director Chloe Okuno makes a jump into the world of feature films with her chilling directorial debut “Watcher.” The film is one of the most exciting productions to come out of this year’s Sundance Film Festival, alongside films like “Cha Cha Real Smooth” and “Fresh,” with the thriller eventually finding a home amongst the many horrors and thrillers under IFC Midnight’s belt.
Modern-day scream queen Maika Monroe (“It Follows”) stars as Julia, an actress who moves to Bucharest with her boyfriend (Karl Glusman). Their new life in Romania is soon interrupted with a man from the adjacent apartment building seemingly watching the couple and following Julia. The film combines this with the revelation of a serial killer who is targeting young women across the city. But is Julia just being paranoid? Or does she have something to be worried about?
A Slow-Burning Thriller
“Watcher” is a slow-burning thriller that gradually builds suspense and tension. Even with a short run-time of 91 minutes, the film takes its time to come to a satisfying conclusion. Setting the film in Romania, as opposed to its original setting of Brooklyn, New York, serves to add another layer of suspense for both Julia and viewers. Like Julia, audiences must wait for an English translation of what character’s are saying. Cinematographer Benjamin Kirk Nielsen brings crisp visuals to the film, including handheld shots that put the viewer in Maika’s shoes.
Not only is “Watcher” a stylish flick that tells a terrifying story, it also serves as a statement on what happens when women are ignored, and their problems discarded by those around them. It’s a problem all too familiar for some. And at a time when women are under attack more than ever, “Watcher” is eerily well-timed in its release. Best known for her work in the horror-genre, Maika Monroe gives a knockout performance as Julia. Monroe’s performance is driven by a fear and paranoia that some women can relate to and empathise with.
A Sensational Turn from Maika Monroe
Michael Block (“Cloak & Dagger,” “The Wilds”) edits the film in such a way that is effective at building nail-biting suspense and moving the story along. A perfect example is a scene between Julia and the Watcher (Burn Gorman), both characters stuck together on a train. Cutting between Julia, the Watcher, and his suspiciously human head-shaped bag makes for an incredibly stressful scene. The film’s rewarding conclusion comes after a fully-developed plot that doesn’t stumble its way to the finish line. It’s a courtesy to the sharp script from co-writers Chloe Okuno and Zack Ford.
Chloe Okuno crafts a stylish film that showcases a sensational turn from Maika Monroe, and nifty technical aspects all round. “Watcher” is not for those who enjoy a more fast-paced, supernatural, or gory horror flick. In fact, it’s more suited those who enjoy the satisfaction of a slow-burn film. The film is a Hitchcockian thriller/horror, fueled by unexpected twists and justifiable paranoia that comes to a jaw-dropping climax. Taking inspiration from real-life situations real women across the world have faced, the film brings a riveting story to the screen in a remarkable feature directorial debut from Okuno.
“Watcher” is currently available to watch on Prime Video, Vudu Movie & TV Store, or VUDU.
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