The Happening is a psychological thriller film released in 2008 and directed by M. Night Shyamalan. Starring Mark Wahlberg, Zooey Deschanel, and John Leguizamo, the movie follows a couple who attempt to escape a mysterious and deadly phenomenon that causes people to commit mass suicides.

While The Happening generated some buzz before its release, it ultimately flopped at the box office and received negative reviews from critics and audiences alike. Several factors contributed to its failure. However, Mark Wahlberg wanted no credit for the film’s fate.

Mark Wahlberg Regrets Doing The Movie

Mark Wahlberg openly expressed remorse for his involvement in the film but defended his decision to try something new, such as being a science teacher or doing away from the roles of a cop or a crook. Wahlberg said
“You can’t blame me for wanting to try to play a science teacher. At least I wasn’t playing a cop or a crook.”

Mark Wahlberg
One of the primary reasons for the film’s lackluster performance was its weak script. Many critics felt that the plot lacked depth and failed to deliver a compelling narrative.

The dialogue was often criticized for being wooden and awkward, making it difficult for the audience to connect with the characters or feel invested in their plight.

Another major issue was the film’s marketing campaign. The trailers and promotional material for The Happening created high expectations and hinted at a suspenseful and thrilling experience.

However, when audiences saw the actual movie, they were disappointed to find a lack of tension and scares. It created a sense of betrayal among viewers, who felt they had been misled.

Mark Wahlberg Lacked Chemistry With The Lead Actress

While the cast included talented actors like Zooey Deschanel, her character came across as flat and uninteresting. The lack of chemistry between the leads and the underdeveloped supporting characters further contributed to the film’s failure to engage audiences on an emotional level.
Mark Wahlberg
Shyamalan’s direction, which had been praised in previous films such as The Sixth Sense and Unbreakable, was also heavily criticized in The Happening.

The pacing was sluggish, and the film struggled to maintain a consistent tone. Some scenes that were intended to be suspenseful or shocking came across as unintentionally comical, undermining the tension that was supposed to be built.

Critics and audiences alike pointed out that The Happening suffered from a lack of originality and relied on clichés.

Though potentially interesting, the environmental message underlying the film’s premise was mishandled and overshadowed by a heavy-handed execution. This resulted in a movie that felt preachy and overly simplistic in its exploration of a complex issue.