Old Review

Review of Old (2021) by screenqueeen: 👍 4/5

for me this is just the perfect mix of Shyamalan's jarring dialogue, weird high concepts, set pieces that break through his characteristic unevenness, and nu-Twilight Zone spirit. I think a lot of people express that since Shyamalan isn't good at everything he'd be better off creatively relinquishing that which he underperforms in to other folks whose strengths flank his weaknesses. But M. Night Shyamalan is an all-or-nothing filmmaker who needs to experiment as an auteur. I think that's what I admire about him the most because it never comes across as something driven by vanity. He genuinely seems inspired wholeheartedly by that which he takes inspiration from and his ideas perpetuate that. I'm wondering if the constant presence of children and innocence represent something like the doe-eyed wonder we've all experienced during that part of our lives, but Shyamalan has found a way to channel that through his projects. But it comes out raw sometimes, which is the only way you can get it. I think I've finally put my finger on what it is about his work that sets him apart. Some might say for better or worse, but when it comes to how I see it this kind of creativity and wonder can't realistically be judged as good or bad.

sorry to ramble but I still think this movie fucks