‘Watcher’ Is The Best Stalker Film In Recent Memory, And It’s Free On Hulu
If you’re ready to feel a growing sense of tension for an hour and a half, Watcher (2022) is the movie for you. It’s a beautifully suspenseful thriller that masterfully explores paranoia, isolation, and the consequences of being dismissed by those closest to you.
Here’s why this film has earned its place as one of the best thrillers of the past few years.
A New Spin on the “Unbelieved Woman” Trope
Watcher doesn’t just rehash the trope of a woman being dismissed. Instead, it explores the nuance of Francis’s superficial reassurances versus his unwillingness to genuinely believe or act on Julia’s concerns. It’s a critique of empty support disguised as love.
A Title That Cuts Deep
The name of the film, Watcher, has layers and layers of meaning. It’s not just about the man watching Julia from across the street—it’s about Julia watching him, others watching her, and the audience watching it all unfold. It’s a clever nod to the film’s voyeuristic themes.
A Cast and Crew in Perfect Harmony
This might be Maika Monroe’s best performance to date. Her portrayal of Julia is quietly powerful, conveying deep emotional conflict through subtle, nuanced expressions. For director Chloe Okuno, this debut feature is a triumph. Together with a skilled crew, they’ve created a thriller that feels seamless and deliberate.
An Innovative Take on Psychological Thrillers
There so many movies that focus on voyeurism, paranoia, and stalking, Watcher digs deeper into the psychological toll of being dismissed and isolated, making it an important addition to the genre. Julia isn’t just being watched—she’s being undermined by everyone around her, making her struggle feel all the more isolating and relatable.
A Serial Killer Plot That’s Strikingly Clear
The serial killer subplot isn’t about twists or tricks. The audience knows who the stalker is—it’s Julia’s certainty that’s doubted by everyone else. This clarity creates a Hitchcockian suspense that builds relentlessly toward the film’s climax.
A Gripping, Cathartic Finale
The tension in Watcher crescendos into a thrilling finale that’s both satisfying and emotionally charged. No spoilers. But it will leave a lasting impact.
