Mark Wahlberg’s “The Happening” Now Available on Streaming
Introduction to “The Happening”
Mark Wahlberg’s controversial survival thriller, The Happening, directed by M. Night Shyamalan, is set to make its streaming debut. The film, which revolves around a series of enigmatic, self-inflicted deaths occurring globally, stars Wahlberg as Elliot Moore, a teacher striving to unravel the mystery behind these tragic events. Despite its financial success, grossing $163 million against a $60 million budget, the movie was critically panned, marking a low point in Shyamalan’s career trajectory.
Streaming Release Details
According to a recent report by Collider, The Happening will be available for streaming on Hulu starting October 1. Previously, audiences could only access the film through purchase or rental. This release coincides with the theatrical run of Shyamalan’s latest film, Trap, which has seen moderate box office success.
Mark Wahlberg’s Reflection
In hindsight, Mark Wahlberg himself labeled The Happening as a “bad movie” back in 2010, acknowledging its shortcomings.
For Fans Of:
– Cult classics like The Room.
– The evolution of M. Night Shyamalan’s filmmaking journey.
– Performances by Mark Wahlberg, Zooey Deschanel, John Leguizamo, and Betty Buckley.
– Survival narratives exploring enigmatic threats with an environmental twist.
Why Watch “The Happening” on Hulu?
Capturing the Essence of a B-Movie
The Happening stands out as an unintentionally amusing thriller. As Elliot and his wife traverse the country seeking refuge, they encounter a host of peculiar and comedic characters. Initially suspected to be the result of a terrorist biological attack, the truth behind the mysterious deaths unfolds into a surprising revelation, central to Shyamalan’s commentary on humanity.
Despite the film’s initial reception, similar to how The Room gained cult status, The Happening has persisted in popular culture. The exaggerated performances, questionable production quality, and laughable plot twist contribute to its charm. Betty Buckley’s over-the-top portrayal of Mrs. Jones and Wahlberg’s placid reactions to the chaos are particularly memorable. While a serious viewing may be challenging, the film offers genuine entertainment through an ironic lens.
Shyamalan’s Intentional B-Movie Approach
Every M. Night Shyamalan Movie, Ranked Worst To Best
Shyamalan’s goal was to craft an enjoyable B-movie experience, and he succeeded. Each of his films explores distinct themes and styles, with The Happening embodying the spirit of classic B-movies. Although it scored poorly on Rotten Tomatoes, its value lies in witnessing Shyamalan’s creative progression and Wahlberg’s entertaining responses.
Critique from Screen Rant
As noted by Screen Rant, the film transitions into a more humorous form of horror once the true nature of events is revealed. This tonal shift, whether deliberate or not, turns the film from a straightforward horror mystery into a satirical piece reminiscent of Mystery Science Theatre 3000. The twist, while altering the movie’s allure, still renders it a watchable satire, where a less imaginative twist might have relegated it to obscurity. Shyamalan’s ability to blend silliness with suspense remains evident.
Other Thrillers on Hulu
– A Haunting in Venice (2023)
– Pig (2021)
– Prey (2022)
– Deep Water (2022)
– How to Blow Up a Pipeline (2022)
The Happening
- Adventure
- Drama
- Sci-Fi
Writer/director M. Night Shyamalan presents The Happening, a thriller that centers around a strange unexplained phenomenon that begins to cause human beings to commit suicide in waves. Initially believed to be an international terrorist attack, science teacher Elliot and his wife Alma head to Boston with friends to escape the chaos. Soon enough, they realize that the effects have spread further than they thought - possibly across the entire world.
