It’s been twenty years since British director Adrian Lyne directed a movie, which was Untrue in 2002. The final movie of his I noticed was Indecent Proposal (1993), and am accustomed to his work – Flashdance, 9-1/2 Weeks and Deadly Attraction. Lyne is again with a brand new erotic psychological thriller Deep Water, which was curiously pulled from theatrical launch by the studio (Disney) and as an alternative will probably be launched in Hulu. Starring Ben Affleck and Ana de Armas as married couple Vic and Melinda Van Allen, the story is predicated on a 1957 Patricia Highsmith‘s novel with the identical title. From the skin, appears to be like just like the Van Allens stay a charmed life of their spacious suburban residence. Vic is good-looking and wealthy, having bought his drone-chip firm for hundreds of thousands that allows him to retire early. Melinda, who appears to be like about half Vic’s age, is drop-dead beautiful and free-spirited. Maybe a bit of too free, the woman simply desires to have some enjoyable.
Proper from the primary second we see the 2 work together briefly as Vic will get residence from mountain biking, we’re made to imagine that they’re in a loveless marriage. The emotionless Vic simply doesn’t appear enjoyable sufficient for Melinda and she or he isn’t shy to indicate it. At events, Vic would watch his spouse flagrantly flirts and seduces different males proper in entrance of him… even his pals appear involved about Melinda’s conduct, some even say he should ‘rein’ her in. It’s unclear why they don’t simply break up as I can’t think about both of them having hassle getting dates. Properly, as with all relationships, there’s at all times one thing individuals on the skin would by no means learn about.
Now this isn’t precisely a spoiler, however I’ll put up a spoiler warning anyway … Apparently one among Melinda’s former lovers Malcolm McRae has gone lacking and Vic casually admits that he’s killed him although his pals are sure it’s a darkish joke. So did he or didn’t he? The scene between Vic and Joel (Brendan Miller), one among Melinda’s younger blond male buddy Vic invitations to dinner is definitely extra hilarious than suspenseful.
The premise sounds intriguing and has a promising arrange for a mysterious psycho thriller, if solely it weren’t so torpid. Vic really like to play together with his pet snails in his greenhouse, however does the film have to maneuver at a snail’s tempo?? Lyne appears to have misplaced his contact by way of creating a horny, mysterious ambiance as he did together with his earlier movies. There are nudity and intercourse scenes however none of it’s notably titillating. What’s worse, it’s just about inconceivable to narrate nor empathize with any of the characters.
The casting is kind of puzzling as nicely. Affleck and De Armas appear well-matched right here and their 16 years precise age distinction really works of their favor. However a few of the supporting forged (Lil Rel Howery, Sprint Mihok) make the tone appears extra comedic that it feels jarring contemplating the widely critical tone of the movie. Melinda have a seemingly infinite provide of good-looking male lovers, two of that are performed by Jacob Elordi and Finn Wittrock, and neither one among them notably memorable. Tracy Letts, a strong character actor, is probably the most memorable of the supporting forged. He performs one of many Van Allen’s author pals who’s suspicious of Vic.
Affleck isn’t any stranger to taking part in unsympathetic roles, this one jogs my memory of his function in Gone Woman although he looks as if a pleasant man right here by comparability. In truth, Vic is a dotting dad to their toddler daughter Trixie (Grace Jenkins), whereas Melinda barely has time for her as she’s too busy assembly up with different guys. Affleck is meant to look imposing and intimidating, however he appears to be like bored more often than not. Whereas De Armas is appropriately playful and seductive, Melinda comes throughout fairly one dimensional.
As a substitute of thrilling and suspenseful, I discover the film tedious and overly gradual. It’s lower than 2 hours lengthy however positively feels longer and the thoughts video games are neither tense nor chilling. It’s too dangerous as I anticipated a lot extra from a veteran filmmaker like Lyne, although the writers, Zach Helm and Sam Levinson, additionally share the blame for the lackluster script. The mid-credit scene is definitely unusual and disturbing, that includes Trixie singing fortunately behind their automobile … not likely certain what to make of that. After seeing this, I can see why this received pulled from cinema launch, can’t think about sitting via this within the theater.
Have you ever seen DEEP WATER? What did you suppose?
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