after a temporary exodus from Hollywood and a retreat to his roots in independent cinema, Shyamalan finally returned to studio film-making in 2021 with the release of Old

But he had just released the abomination that was Glass a few years prior. I think Knock at the Cabin was a better “return” if he could be said to have ever left. Following that back with Trap though felt like sliding backwards again which was a bummer as I really wanted to like that movie.

If Glass had not gone the way it did, it would have been a fantastic monument in his film history. Instead it is kind of like the Matrix, and the less part muddies some of the shine on the best parts of his career imo.

An interesting conversation to have with Shyamalan is about the business side of movies. He is very good at making sure the movies turn a profit and I would like to know more about that, it has been on my list of things to doomscroll one day.