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Based on these factors, I was confident it would appeal to me.

Thats in large part because its frighteningly believable.

Maika Monroe as Julia in "Watcher" now streaming on Netflix

So, Im here to explain why this psychological thriller is a chilling trip worth taking.

And when she notices a stranger watching her from across the street she is further unnerved.

And this killer has an obsession with attacking young women who live in the city.

WATCHER Official Trailer (2022) - YouTube

The events within Watcher could genuinely happen.

And that significantly adds to the fear factor.

Director Chloe Okuno has an extremely tight grip on the experience.

Maika Monroe as Julia in “Watcher” now streaming on Netflix

In fact, I was shocked to learn that Watcher was her directorial debut.

The movie is so well constructed Id assumed it was the work of a seasoned thriller filmmaker.

But she also prevents things from getting stale by dishing out fresh story beats at just the right moments.

(L-R) Maika Monroe as Julia and Karl Glusman as Francis in “Watcher” now streaming on Netflix

No spoilers here, but it all builds to a heart-pounding ending.

She brings the material to life in haunting ways.

One area that Watcher may be lacking for some viewers is that it keeps things simple.

Maika Monroe as Julia in “Watcher” now streaming on Netflix

As of writing, the movie holds an 88% score onRotten Tomatoes.

And this rating comes from 150 reviews, so its not a small sample.

Its even enough for a Certified Fresh seal of approval.

Maika Monroe as Julia in “Watcher” now streaming on Netflix

Watcher is a real recent stand-out in the genre.

Or you could watch the platforms new political thriller TV show,“Zero Day.”

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