Plot
"Old" follows a family on a tropical vacation who find themselves trapped on a secluded beach where time accelerates rapidly, causing them to age at an alarming rate. As they struggle to comprehend their predicament, they discover that each member has an underlying medical condition. With each passing hour, the family's relationships are tested, secrets are revealed, and the search for a way off the beach becomes increasingly desperate.
Casting and Themes
The film features a talented ensemble cast led by Gael García Bernal, Vicky Krieps, and Rufus Sewell. Director M. Night Shyamalan explores themes of aging, mortality, and the fragility of relationships in the face of time's inexorable march. Shyamalan also draws inspiration from the COVID-19 pandemic, the challenge of raising children, and the memories of his father who suffered from dementia.
Development and Production
"Old" is an adaptation of the Swiss graphic novel "Sandcastle" by Pierre Oscar Levy and Frederik Peeters. Filming took place in the Dominican Republic during the COVID-19 pandemic, marking Shyamalan's first film not shot near his hometown of Philadelphia. The film's claustrophobic atmosphere is enhanced by techniques reminiscent of Akira Kurosawa's "Rashomon" and "Ran."
Critical Reception and Box Office
"Old" received mixed reviews from critics, with some praising its original premise and suspenseful moments, while others criticized its uneven execution and over-the-top dialogue. Despite the mixed reception, the film grossed over $90 million worldwide against an $18 million budget.
Themes and Twist Ending
The film tackles themes of aging, regret, and the value of family. Shyamalan incorporates several twists into the plot, including the revelation that the beach is a pharmaceutical research site where aging trials are being conducted. The twist ending, which explains how the family escapes, has been met with mixed reactions. While some found it clever and unexpected, others felt it was an unsatisfying resolution.