Director M. Night Shyamalan, known for hits like "The Sixth Sense" and "Signs," appears to be returning to his signature supernatural thriller roots with "Remain," a new film slated for a 2027 release. The first teaser trailer for the movie, a collaboration with romance novelist Nicholas Sparks, suggests a blend of eerie small-town secrets, romance, and supernatural mystery.
The project originated from a shared concept between Shyamalan and Sparks, with Sparks then writing a novelization before Shyamalan penned the screenplay and directed the film. This approach differs from a typical adaptation, with the book serving as a parallel creation to the screenplay.
"Remain" stars Jake Gyllenhaal as Tate Gordon, a reclusive architect who moves to a coastal town for a new project. There, he encounters Wren, portrayed by Phoebe Dynevor, a young woman who gradually draws him out of his isolation. The initial footage depicts the burgeoning romance between the two, marked by shared activities and developing affection. However, Wren's seemingly tranquil life conceals a darker truth, pulling Tate into a mystery that pervades the town and threatens to engulf their relationship in a supernatural crisis.
The film is positioned as a supernatural romance with a central mystery. The trailer suggests a narrative that gradually unravels, shifting from a romantic setup to a more unsettling tone as the supernatural elements and a hidden secret come to light.
The novelization of "Remain," released in 2025, received mixed reviews. Critics noted an atmospheric combination of romance, mystery, and supernatural horror but also pointed to a rushed romantic arc and a predictable mystery. The fusion of Sparks' emotional storytelling with Shyamalan's supernatural sensibilities creates a unique narrative premise, described as "The Notebook meets The Sixth Sense."
The supernatural elements are reportedly grounded in themes of grief, loss, and human connection. Based on the teaser, Shyamalan seems intent on exploring this blend, potentially recapturing the success of his earlier mysterious and supernatural films.
"Remain" is scheduled to premiere in North American theaters on February 5, 2027, with its international release beginning on February 3 of the same year.