The American director of Indian origin M. Night Shyamalan is one of the best-known directors and screenwriters of his generation. His career began in the 1990s and the resounding success of “The Sixth Sense” catapulted him as one of Hollywood’s most important directors.
Shyamalan stands out for his authorial signature: genre films, especially suspense and horror, intertwined with drama and fantastic elements and, of course, great twists. Formal and scenic construction are the strengths of his cinema, which have earned him comparison with great masters, such as Hitchcock and Spielberg.
Throughout his career, Shyamalan has divided opinion. His films have sparked varying reactions among audiences and critics, creating a legion of fans who defend his genius and another group who question the quality of his more recent works.
Despite the controversy, Shyamalan remains a singular name in contemporary cinema. His works, even the most controversial, stimulate reflection and debate. In view of this, we will make a selection of the 10 best films of his. Check out our list below.
M. Night Shyamalan: The 10 best films
Sixth Sense (1999)
The supernatural thriller is Shyamalan’s second film and first major success. The film earned 6 Oscar nominations, including Best Picture, Director and Screenplay for Shyamalan, and has become a huge pop culture reference, with extremely iconic phrases and moments.
In the story we follow a psychologist who needs to help a boy. The case, however, is particular: the boy sees dead people. Confronting the boy’s abilities will lead both of them to dramatic and supernatural consequences.
The film is extremely remembered for its unpredictable story and the performances of Bruce Willis, Toni Collette and Haley Joel Osment (the same as AI Artificial Intelligence).
Indestructible (2000)
Another critical success for Shyamalan. “Unbreakable” is a film inspired by comic book mythology and is the first film in a trilogy titled “Eastrail 177”. In 2011, Time listed it as one of the ten best superhero films of all time.
In the plot we follow security guard David Dunn, who emerges completely unharmed from a tragic and deadly train accident. Intrigued by the event, he tries to find answers, until he meets the mysterious Elijah Price, a comic book collector suffering from an illness that leaves his body weakened.
Bruce Willis returns to his collaboration with Shyamalan and stars in the film, which also stars Samuel L. Jackson and Robin Wright.
Split (2016)
Second film of the “Eastrail 177” trilogy. If in “Unbreakable” we followed the origin of a hero, this time it is the genesis of a villain. The film was also well received by critics and audiences, so much so that it was included in the list of the best films of the year Cahiers del Cinema.
In the plot, three teenagers are kidnapped by Kevin, a man with 23 distinct personalities. In addition to the arduous task of escaping captivity, they will have to unravel the mysteries behind Kevin’s different personas and the reason behind his kidnapping, which has a supernatural aura.
The film features James McAvoy in an extremely well-received performance, as well as Anya Taylor-Joy and Betty Buckley.
Glass (2019)
Film that concludes the “Eastrail 177” trilogy and brings together the characters of “Unbreakable” and “Split” in a clash. We have the return of main characters Bruce Willis, Samuel L. Jackson and Anya Taylor-Joy, as well as the inclusion of actress Sarah Paulson in a leading role.
After the events of “Split,” Kevin is roaming the city and continues to kidnap girls, but is now being hunted by David. And the whole fight between the two seems to be influenced by Elijah. However, the presence of psychiatrist Ellie Staple, who treats patients with delusions of grandeur, adds further layers of mystery and suspense to the plot.
Signs (2002)
An alien invasion thriller and horror film, “Signs” has been well received by critics and audiences since its release, being considered by many to be one of the director’s best films.
Strange figures appear in the corn fields, leaving mysterious tracks and signs on the Hess family farm. His father, a former pastor tormented by the loss of his wife in a car accident, struggles to maintain his faith and protect his family in the face of approaching extraterrestrial terror.
The Village (2004)
Shyamalan’s first film that was most divisive among audiences and critics, receiving everything from harsh criticism to inclusion in the list of the year’s best films. Cahiers of the Cinema.
In the story we follow the life of the inhabitants of a small isolated village. Residents try to stay away from contact with the outside world and avoid trespassing community boundaries. However, the place is surrounded by mysterious and dangerous creatures. However, when a young man is injured in an accident and needs medicine, a young blind woman, who loves him, decides to travel to the nearest town in search of help.
The film has a large cast, with big names like Bryce Dallas Howard, Joaquin Phoenix, Adrien Brody, William Hurt, Sigourney Weaver and Brendan Gleeson.
The Visit (2015)
A horror film of newfound length, “The Visit” marks the return of M. Night Shyamalan after the films “The Last Airbender” and “After Earth”, which were not as popular with critics and audiences.
The story revolves around two teenage brothers who travel to spend a vacation at the isolated home of their maternal grandparents, whom they have never met before. The reason? An old disagreement between the grandparents and the children’s mother, which lasted 15 years. But what was supposed to be a family reunion turns into a nightmare.
The End of Times (2008)
The controversial apocalyptic thriller film. It was not well received by most critics, but performed well at the box office. Despite the negative reception, many fans see this film as a bolder expansion of the director’s style and a flirtation with B-movie influences, an influence mentioned by Shyamalan himself in interviews.
As far as the story goes, people start committing suicide en masse for no apparent reason. The apocalyptic event takes over the town and we follow the family of a science teacher trying to survive.
Knocking on the Door (2023)
Another apocalyptic film from the director, based on the book “Chalet at the End of the World”, by Paul Tremblay. It received good but moderate reviews from critics.
A couple and their daughter enjoy a vacation in their cabin in the woods. The tranquility is interrupted when four armed strangers knock on the door. The visitors, guided by apocalyptic visions, present a tragic request: the family must sacrifice one of its members to prevent the end of the world.
The cast includes names like Dave Bautista, Jonathan Groff, Ben Aldridge and Rupert Grint.
The Lady in the Water (2006)
One of the most controversial films of Shyamalan’s career, it also had a troubled production. From studio changes (from Disney to Warner) to the director’s public accusations against Disney, claiming that the company limited its artists and only sought box office sales.
In the plot we follow the story of a building manager (Paul Giamatti) who discovers a mysterious woman (Bryce Dallas Howard) swimming in the local pool. He soon discovers that she is, in fact, a mystical being and needs to help her return to her home.
Many critics consider the film confusing and pretentious, but many others praise Shyamalan’s originality and boldness, such as Cahiers of the Cinemawhich brought him back to his list of the year’s best.
M. Night Shyamalan’s Ten Best Films appeared first on Olhar Digital.
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Rose James is a Gossipify movie and series reviewer known for her in-depth analysis and unique perspective on the latest releases. With a background in film studies, she provides engaging and informative reviews, and keeps readers up to date with industry trends and emerging talents.
