Watcher (2022) is a psychological horror-thriller film directed and written by Chloe Okuno in her feature directorial debut. Starring Maika Monroe, Karl Glusman, and Burn Gorman, the film explores themes of isolation, fear, and paranoia. Set in Bucharest, Romania, the story follows a woman who begins to suspect she is being watched by a mysterious figure in the apartment across the street. Premiering at the 2022 Sundance Film Festival and later released to wide audiences, Watcher has garnered attention for its slow-burn tension, chilling atmosphere, and the standout performance of Maika Monroe.
Plot Summary
The film follows Julia (Maika Monroe), an American woman who moves to Bucharest with her husband, Francis (Karl Glusman), who works there and speaks Romanian. Julia, unable to speak the language, feels alienated in this unfamiliar environment. Her sense of unease intensifies when she notices a man (Burn Gorman) staring at her from an apartment across the street. At first, she brushes it off as her imagination, but as the man’s gaze becomes more persistent, Julia starts to fear that she is being watched.
As Francis is often away, Julia is left alone to contend with her growing suspicion that someone is watching her every move. Her paranoia deepens when she learns that a serial killer known as “The Spider” is active in the area, and Julia begins to fear that she is the next target. Despite her attempts to confide in Francis and others, no one takes her seriously. As the tension escalates, Julia must confront the terrifying possibility that the man across the street might not only be watching her but also be involved in something far more sinister.
Character Dynamics and Performances
The performances in Watcher are central to its success, with Maika Monroe delivering an outstanding portrayal of Julia, a woman slowly unraveling under the weight of her fear and isolation. Monroe skillfully captures the vulnerability, anxiety, and desperation of a character who is convinced she is being stalked, yet no one believes her. Her portrayal evokes empathy and keeps the audience on edge as Julia’s descent into paranoia intensifies.
Karl Glusman, playing Julia’s husband Francis, brings a complex dynamic to the story. Though he is loving and supportive, his character remains largely unaware of the depth of Julia’s distress, contributing to the sense of isolation she feels. His inability to comprehend Julia’s fear adds to the tension and frustration, making her situation even more dire.
Burn Gorman, as the mysterious man across the street, is chilling in his role, providing a constant sense of unease. His cold, emotionless presence is unnerving, leaving the audience to question whether he is truly a threat or if Julia’s fears are merely a product of her paranoia.
Chloe Okuno’s direction plays a significant role in the success of the film. She masterfully creates a tense, suffocating atmosphere that keeps the audience on edge throughout the entire movie. Her use of framing, lighting, and sound heightens the sense of unease and fear, making every moment feel like an impending threat. The slow pacing, while deliberate, allows for the buildup of tension and suspense, drawing viewers deeper into Julia’s unsettling reality.
Themes and Message
Watcher explores several key themes, primarily focusing on isolation, fear, and misunderstanding. Julia’s experience of being alone in a foreign country, where she doesn’t speak the language and has no support network, reflects the vulnerability and alienation that many people feel in unfamiliar or threatening environments. Her growing paranoia is a representation of the psychological toll that fear and isolation can take on the mind.
The film also examines the dismissal of women’s concerns. Julia’s desperate attempts to communicate her fears are continually brushed aside by those around her, particularly by her husband, which reflects a broader societal issue of not taking women’s experiences seriously, especially when it comes to their safety and well-being. Julia’s growing sense of being disregarded makes her even more desperate to find evidence and prove that her fears are legitimate.
In addition, Watcher plays with the idea of the unknown. The constant question of whether the man across the street is truly a threat or simply a figment of Julia’s imagination adds to the psychological tension, forcing the audience to question the reliability of the protagonist’s perception and blurring the lines between reality and paranoia.
Cinematography and Direction
Chloe Okuno’s direction in Watcher is impressive, particularly in how she uses cinematography to build tension. The city of Bucharest serves as both a beautiful and haunting backdrop for the film. The camera frequently lingers on Julia, emphasizing her feelings of being trapped and constantly observed. The use of mirrors, windows, and framing within frames creates a sense of claustrophobia, as if Julia is always under surveillance.
The pacing of the film is slow and deliberate, allowing for a slow buildup of tension that culminates in a gripping final act. While some may find the pacing too slow at times, it effectively mirrors the gradual unraveling of Julia’s mind and her growing sense of terror.
The use of sound design is another standout feature of the film. The ambient sounds of the city, combined with the eerie silence that punctuates Julia’s moments of fear, amplify the tension. The lack of a constant musical score keeps the atmosphere unsettling and unpredictable, ensuring that every noise feels significant.
Reception
Watcher has received generally positive reviews from both critics and audiences. The film has been praised for its psychological depth, strong performances, and atmospheric tension. Maika Monroe‘s performance has been widely lauded, with many critics highlighting her ability to convey the fragility and growing desperation of her character.
On Rotten Tomatoes, Watcher holds an approval rating of 88% from critics and 79% from audiences, reflecting the film’s overall positive reception. Critics have highlighted Okuno’s direction and the film’s ability to build suspense, even if some found the pacing to be slow and the open-ended conclusion unsatisfying.
Final Thoughts
Watcher is a slow-burn psychological thriller that keeps audiences on edge with its building tension and uncertainty. With a standout performance from Maika Monroe, Chloe Okuno crafts a film that is both a psychological character study and a chilling exploration of fear and isolation. While the pacing may not appeal to everyone, the film’s atmosphere and its exploration of the fragility of the human mind make it a gripping experience.
Rating: 8/10
If you’re a fan of psychological thrillers that delve into the complexities of fear, perception, and isolation, Watcher is a must-watch. With its chilling atmosphere, haunting cinematography, and compelling performances, it’s a film that will leave you thinking long after the credits roll.