Bridgerton star Phoebe Dynevor's new thriller hailed as a "masterpiece" in first reactions

Phoebe Dynevor's new thriller Remain has received a positive early reception in first reactions. The new film comes from M Night Shyamalan, and stars the Bridgerton actor alongside Jake Gyllenhaal and Ashley Walters.

The plot focuses on an architect who is recovering from depression, and encounters a mysterious woman after moving to Cape Cod, with Shyamalan devising the story with author Nicholas Sparks. There is also a book that the pair released last year, which contains the same "concept and set of characters".

The movie has just had an unexpected premiere screening at Beyond Fest, which came ahead of a screening of Shyamalan's classic The Sixth Sense, and was introduced by the director himself.

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Based on the first reactions from those in attendance, the movie appears to be a surefire winner, with @pierogiwitch on X calling it a "masterpiece" and "a perfect companion to the sixth sense for a double feature and a moving, frightening, and beautiful film on its own".

Will Landman said it was the director "at his most calibrated - mixing romance, comedy, and horror in a pitch perfect way that he truly has mastered since The Visit".

He also praised Dynevor and Gyllenhaal as "incredible in this", adding: "With 17 films now, it’s so clear that M Night is master at making movies and Remain is another gem in this era of a director who continues to take risks and bets on himself."

"Think this is one of his best ones, it’s such a fun ride," wrote Mr Chau. "Very funny, scary, and romantic. Has some of his most inventive images, all in VistaVision. Shyamalan really goes nuts with the camera."

Joe Russo (not the Marvel director) suggested it was "the culmination of [Shyamalan's] last decade of work" and "his best work since SIGNS and THE VILLAGE".

"Complete barnburner," beamed @eventualforever. "My favorite Shyamalan this decade, formally electric and romantic and tragic and beautiful and mysterious and scary all in equal measure. every ghost story is a love story. if you’re not in for his goofiness you aren’t in for this but thank god that i am."

Remain is released in UK cinemas on 5 February, 2027.

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Sam is a freelance reporter and sub-editor who has a particular interest in movies, TV and music. After completing a journalism Masters at City University, London, Sam joined Digital Spy as a reporter, and has also freelanced for publications such as NME and Screen International.  Sam, who also has a degree in Film, can wax lyrical about everything from Lord of the Rings to Love Is Blind, and is equally in his element crossing every 't' and dotting every 'i' as a sub-editor.