M. Night Shyamalan is mainly associated with one thing: twists. Since ‘The Sixth Sense’, probably the most spoiled film of all time, the Indian filmmaker has tried to give his audience a huge surprise in each of his works. Sometimes it worked, but every now and then the plan was only acknowledged with a nonchalant shrug of the shoulders.
So also in the case of “Old“, which was shown in cinemas in this country in 2021 and celebrates its free TV premiere today, March 24 at 8:15 PM on RTL Zwei. Even though the comic book adaptation didn’t end up being a great movie and the twist at the end is a negative factor, there are always moments where M. Night Shyamalan demonstrates his directing talent. Two series in particular will remain in your memory for a long time.
That’s what ‘Old’ is about
Guy (Gael García Bernal) and Prisca (Vicky Krieps) are on vacation with their children Trent (Nolan River) and Maddox (Alexa Swinton) and are looking forward to a day on a hidden, secluded beach. In the end, they don’t have the sea all to themselves, because other people soon appear on the beach. However, that turns out not to be the biggest problem…
While swimming, young Trent finds the body of a woman, who moments later is completely skeletal. And the children suddenly grow older very quickly, which not only Trent (now: Alex Wolff) is completely disturbed by. It seems like everyone who spends time at the beach ages rapidly. It is to be feared that most holidaymakers will be dead by the next morning at the latest. And worst of all: there seems to be no escape.
A clumsy horror story
In the official FILMSTARTS review, “Old” received an average of 2.5 out of 5 stars. In his conclusion, our author Sidney Schering writes: “’Old’ combines M. Night Shyamalan’s strengths and weaknesses into an interesting but half-baked scenario: The quieter moments of this cautionary, melancholic horror story are especially appealing. But secondary characters who constantly introduce themselves without being asked, awkward tonal changes and the frantic attempt to scare the audience ensure that ‘Old’ clearly falls short of its potential.
The fact that “Old” ultimately doesn’t quite work is not only because Shyamalan can’t choose between a bad bedtime story, laconic humor and a chilling morality play, but also because he simply doesn’t give the characters enough profile. Outside of the nuclear family, characters like rapper Mid-Sized Sedan (Aaron Pierre) or doctor Jarin (Ken Leung) seem a bit strange and out of place.
But what M. Night Shymalan once again masters wonderfully are the quiet, interpersonal moments in which the gentle, dramatic spirit of the original is also expressed in a fascinating way in the film. In addition, there are two moments that will burn in your memory (spoiler!): The truly diabolical sequence of brutal broken bones that only heal when deformed and the incredibly disturbing sight of a pregnancy progressing at breakneck speed with a tragic outcome. Here Shyamalan can also inspire in the field of body horror.
Author: Pascal Reis
Source : Film Starts
I am Dawid Malan, a news reporter for 24 Instant News. I specialize in celebrity and entertainment news, writing stories that capture the attention of readers from all walks of life. My work has been featured in some of the world’s leading publications and I am passionate about delivering quality content to my readers.
