Shudder/IFC Midnight Film 'Watcher' Succeeds Despite Ultimately Conventional Proceedings

Watcher slipped under the radar a bit earlier this summer, and while it's definitely not the best horror film of the year, it ranks above the other recent indie horror releases like The Twin and Men. The streaming options for Watcher are not the most convenient yet, but since the film premiered in early June, more availability should be coming very soon. Here's what you need to know about Watcher.

A woman living in Budapest with her relatively absent husband suspects a man across the street is obsessively watching her.

• Maika Monroe (It Follows)

• Karl Glusman (Devs, The Neon Demon)

• Burn Gorman (Torchwood)

The notable standout (besides a riveting performance from Maika Monroe), is the debut work of Chloe Okuno as screenwriter and director. Before the wrap-up ending, Okuno keeps the viewer on their toes as to exactly what might be happening between Julia and her mysterious 'Watcher,' if anything at all. Her craft is not perfected yet (perhaps it's the fault of the story as well, which is credited to Zack Ford), but the mark of yet another follower of the classic-looking horror movie renaissance is always welcome. Until there's a new Okuno film, we can remain creeped out by the oppressive isolation of Watcher. 

Rating: 7/10

★★★★★★★☆☆☆

Watcher is not yet available on Shudder, but given how it partly holds the North American distribution rights to the film, the service will probably release it in no time. For now, you can rent or buy Watcher on major platforms if you cannot wait!