Old (2021): M. Night Shyamalan’s Twisted Thriller on the Passage of Time

Old Movie

April 24, 2025: In Old, a family embarks on a tropical vacation, only to discover that a secluded beach accelerates their aging process, reducing their entire lives into a single day. As they grapple with rapid physical changes and unravel the beach’s mysteries, they must confront their deepest fears and secrets.

Behind the Scenes

Directed by M. Night Shyamalan, Old is an adaptation of the French-language Swiss graphic novel Sandcastle by Pierre Oscar Lévy and Frederik Peeters. Shyamalan, inspired by the novel gifted by his daughters, reimagined the story, introducing new characters and a subplot involving a scientific experiment. The film was shot in the Dominican Republic during the COVID-19 pandemic, with cinematography by Michael Gioulakis.

Cast and Characters

The film features an ensemble cast:​

Gael García Bernal as Guy Cappa

Vicky Krieps as Prisca Cappa

Rufus Sewell as Charles

Abbey Lee as Chrystal

Alex Wolff as Trent Cappa

Thomasin McKenzie as Maddox Cappa

Aaron Pierre as Mid-Sized Sedan

Each actor portrays their character at various ages, capturing the essence of accelerated aging. ​

Reception

Old received mixed reviews:​

Rotten Tomatoes: 50% critic score, 53% audience score.

Roger Ebert: Praised the film’s suspense but noted inconsistencies in tone. ​

The Guardian: Described it as “brilliantly poised between serious and silly.” ​

Despite criticism, the film’s unique premise and visual storytelling garnered attention.​

Themes and Interpretation

Old delves into themes of mortality, the fleeting nature of time, and the inevitability of aging. Shyamalan’s direction emphasizes the horror of rapid aging, juxtaposed with moments of introspection and familial bonds. The film’s ambiguous ending leaves audiences pondering the true nature of the beach’s curse.​

Availability

Old is available for streaming on Peacock and can be purchased or rented through various digital platforms.