Director M. Night Shyamalan will return to theaters in early 2027 with Remain, a supernatural romance film starring Jake Gyllenhaal and Phoebe Dynevor. The movie marks an unusual collaboration with Nicholas Sparks, the prolific author known for romantic novels.
Shyamalan, the filmmaker behind The Sixth Sense, Unbreakable, and Signs, has explored various genres in his subsequent work. While his recent films like Old and Trap have been distinct, Remain appears to delve back into the director's signature blend of mystery, romance, and supernatural elements. The project originated from a shared story concept developed by Sparks and Shyamalan, with Sparks penning the novelization and Shyamalan writing the screenplay and directing the film.
What is Remain About?
In Remain, Jake Gyllenhaal plays Tate Gordon, an isolated architect who arrives in a coastal town for a new project. There, he encounters Wren, portrayed by Phoebe Dynevor of Bridgerton, a captivating young woman who begins to draw him out of his seclusion. Their connection deepens, depicted in early footage as shared activities and growing affection. However, Wren's seemingly peaceful existence conceals a darker reality, drawing Tate into a local mystery. The trailer transitions from romance to unsettling tones, hinting at a secret that threatens to engulf the couple in a supernatural ordeal. The film is described as a supernatural romance with a central mystery, suggesting a narrative that will gradually reveal its hidden layers.
The Novel Received Mixed Reviews
The novelization of Remain was released in 2025, offering a preview of the story. Critical reception was divided, with some commending the book's atmospheric fusion of romance, mystery, and supernatural horror, while others criticized its hurried romantic development and predictable plot twists. The film's premise combines Sparks' emotional storytelling with Shyamalan's penchant for the supernatural, creating a narrative that is both a love story and a ghostly mystery, exploring themes of grief, loss, and human connection.
Remain is scheduled for a North American theatrical release on February 5, 2027, with its international debut on February 3.