M. Night Shyamalan’s latest film, “Remain,” has earned the highest test audience scores of his career, leading Warner Bros. to shift its premiere date from October 23, 2023, to February 5, 2024, in anticipation of Valentine’s Day. The supernatural romantic thriller, filmed in Rhode Island, is expected to resonate strongly with audiences, particularly due to its romantic themes.
The decision to reschedule the release follows impressive pre-sales for this year’s “Wuthering Heights,” which performed well in a traditionally quiet period for movie releases around Valentine’s Day. Shyamalan, known for hits like “The Sixth Sense” and “Unbreakable,” teased the new date on Instagram, encouraging viewers to “find a date” and visit theaters.
Collaboration Between Shyamalan and Sparks
“Remain” is the result of a unique partnership between filmmaker M. Night Shyamalan and acclaimed novelist Nicholas Sparks. The two collaborated on an original story, crafting characters and premises before independently developing their respective versions of the narrative. Sparks released his novel adaptation of “Remain” in October 2023, providing a literary counterpart to the film.
While both the film and the novel share core elements, Shyamalan and Sparks have hinted that the endings may differ, keeping audiences intrigued. The novel is set in a fictional town called Heatherington, Massachusetts, while the film appears to take place in another fictional location, “Nameless,” in Rhode Island. This choice may serve as a narrative red herring, possibly subject to changes in post-production.
A Story of Love and Mystery
The plot of “Remain” centers on Tate Donovan, a New York architect portrayed by Jake Gyllenhaal. He travels to the area to design a house for his high school best friend during the town’s bustling Mask and Music Festival. With all hotels booked, Tate finds refuge in a former bed-and-breakfast, where he encounters Wren Tobin, played by Phoebe Dynevor.
As Tate becomes enchanted by Wren, he discovers that she may be a ghost with unresolved issues tied to her past. This intertwining of romance and supernatural elements raises questions about Tate’s mental state, particularly as he grapples with the recent death of his sister, Sylvia. The film explores themes of love, loss, and the mysteries that bind the living to the departed.
The cast also features notable actors such as Ashley Walters, Julie Hagerty, Jay O. Sanders, and Tracy Ifeachor, alongside Shyamalan himself in a credited acting role.
As anticipation builds for “Remain,” audiences are left to ponder how the film will compare to Shyamalan’s previous successes and what new twists the collaboration with Sparks will present. With its new release date, it promises to be a significant addition to the romantic thriller genre.
