## Introduction

Let’s get straight to the point: **Old**, the latest offering from M. Night Shyamalan, is an exercise in frustration masked as a summer thriller. Sure, it has its moments, but let’s not sugarcoat it—this film is riddled with problems that we can’t ignore. When I heard the premise of a group of strangers aging rapidly on a secluded beach, I was intrigued. Unfortunately, what unfolded was a perplexing mix of cheap thrills and outdated dialogue that would make even the most seasoned movie-goer roll their eyes.

## The Premise: An Intriguing Setup with a Flawed Execution

In **Old**, we follow a family—Guy, Prisca, Maddox, and Trent—who decide to take a vacation to a seemingly idyllic resort. What starts as a typical family trip quickly spirals into a cacophony of absurdity when they discover a dead body washed ashore and begin to age inexplicably. Really? This is the best that Shyamalan could come up with? The premise had potential, but it’s executed with such clumsiness that it feels more like a parody than a serious thriller.

Let’s address the elephant in the room: the dialogue. It’s painfully expositional, reminiscent of the worst horror scripts from 50s monster movies. Characters state the obvious, often repeating what we’ve already understood. This isn’t charming; it’s exhausting. It’s as if Shyamalan decided that plot clarity could substitute for genuine character development. Spoiler alert: it doesn’t.

## The Characters: Where’s the Depth?

The characters in **Old** are shallow at best. Yes, they have backstories—Guy and Prisca are dealing with marital strife, and their children are caught in the middle—but their depth is skin-deep. We’re given the bare minimum to care about them, yet we’re expected to invest our emotions when the inevitable chaos ensues. The performances are decent, but they’re trapped in a script that fails to give them any substantial material to work with.

As we watch their plight unfold, we can’t help but feel detached. Instead of rooting for the characters to escape their bizarre predicament, we find ourselves mentally checking out, wondering how much longer this trainwreck will last. When characters start making questionable decisions, it’s hard to feel sympathy for them.

## Humor or Horror? A Confusing Blend

One of the more bizarre aspects of **Old** is its tonal inconsistency. At times, it teeters on the edge of self-parody. There are moments that are meant to be terrifying but come off as unintentionally hilarious. Is this supposed to be a horror film, or are we meant to laugh? If Shyamalan was aiming for a tongue-in-cheek homage to classic monster movies, he missed the mark by a mile.

I found myself chuckling at some of the absurdities on screen, not because they were clever, but because they were downright ridiculous. Watching **Old** felt like a throwback to a time when horror relied heavily on campiness, but with none of the charm. The film is rife with panning shots that are supposed to create suspense but instead left me wondering if the projection equipment was malfunctioning.

## The M. Night Twist: More of a Cliché Than a Surprise

Every Shyamalan film is expected to have a twist, and **Old** is no exception. But let’s be real: the twist here is so predictable that it ceases to be a twist at all. It’s as if he’s playing to our expectations rather than challenging us. By now, we all know that Shyamalan loves to throw in a curveball, but can we not have something a little more innovative?

The reveal feels less like a climactic moment and more like a tired trope that’s been recycled countless times. It’s disappointing, to say the least. Instead of feeling shocked or intrigued, I was left shaking my head in disbelief.

## Visuals and Cinematic Techniques: A Mixed Bag

One area where **Old** does deliver is in its visual presentation. The sunny beach setting serves as a stark contrast to the horrific events that unfold. There are some genuinely beautiful shots that evoke a sense of dread amidst the picturesque scenery. However, this visual appeal is undermined by distracting technical choices.

The pacing, for instance, is all over the place. Some scenes linger far too long while others skip over crucial moments. The attempted artistic panning is clumsy and, at times, downright jarring. It’s hard to appreciate the cinematography when the editing decisions pull you out of the moment.

## Conclusion: A Missed Opportunity

In summary, **Old** is a film that had the potential to be something special but ultimately falls flat. It’s a confusing blend of humor and horror, with characters that lack depth and a predictable twist that leaves much to be desired. While there are moments that are entertaining, they are overshadowed by the film’s glaring shortcomings.

If you’re looking for a thought-provoking thriller, you might want to look elsewhere. **Old** is a mediocre addition to Shyamalan’s oeuvre, one that feels more like an afterthought than a carefully crafted narrative. It’s a frustrating experience that leaves you wondering what could have been if the execution matched the intriguing premise. In the end, it’s a reminder that not all vacations are worth taking—and some films certainly aren’t worth watching.