Old (film)

Old (film) poster

Old is a 2021 American thriller film written, directed, and produced by M. Night Shyamalan. The film is based on the graphic novel Sandcastle by Pierre Oscar Lévy and Frederik Peeters. The film features an ensemble cast including Gael García Bernal, Vicky Krieps, Rufus Sewell, Alex Wolff, Thomasin McKenzie, Abbey Lee, Nikki Amuka-Bird, Ken Leung, Eliza Scanlen, Aaron Pierre, Embeth Davidtz, and Emun Elliott.

Plot

The story follows a family on a tropical vacation who discover that the secluded beach where they are relaxing for a few hours is somehow causing them to age rapidly, reducing their entire lives into a single day. The family, along with other vacationers, must find a way to escape the beach before their time runs out.

Cast

• Gael García Bernal as Guy Cappa
• Vicky Krieps as Prisca Cappa
• Rufus Sewell as Charles
• Alex Wolff as Trent Cappa (adult)
• Thomasin McKenzie as Maddox Cappa (teen)
• Abbey Lee as Chrystal
• Nikki Amuka-Bird as Patricia
• Ken Leung as Jarin
• Eliza Scanlen as Kara (teen)
• Aaron Pierre as Mid-Sized Sedan
• Embeth Davidtz as Adult Maddox
• Emun Elliott as Adult Trent

Production

The film was announced in October 2019, with M. Night Shyamalan set to write and direct. The project was inspired by the graphic novel Sandcastle, which Shyamalan received as a Father's Day gift. Filming took place in the Dominican Republic, marking the first time Shyamalan shot a film entirely outside the United States.

Release

Old was released in the United States on July 23, 2021, by Universal Pictures. The film received mixed reviews from critics, who praised its premise and direction but criticized its screenplay and dialogue.

Reception

The film grossed over $90 million worldwide against an $18 million budget. Critics were divided on the film's execution, with some appreciating the unique concept and Shyamalan's direction, while others found the dialogue and character development lacking.

Themes

Old explores themes of time, aging, and the human condition. It delves into the fear of aging and the inevitability of death, as well as the impact of time on relationships and personal growth.

See also

• M. Night Shyamalan filmography
• Thriller film
• Sandcastle (graphic novel)