arod_85 Review of Deep Water

Deep Water (I) (2022)

Probably being a little to generous with the rating

[6/10 · 20 March 2022]

I'm not sure what I just watched. I love Ben and I was expecting another Gone Girl. De Armas, Elordi and Wittrock have all shown some amazing acting chops in previous projects. This movie should have been great based on the cast alone. The premise is also very interesting. However, the overall execution of the movie absolutely failed. I love this genre, but it only works if there are at least one, if not all of the following aspects: (1) a clever plot twist (2) a clever motive or (3) the psychological component of the characters is explored and compelling. This movie didn't do any of that so it left you feeling like "what's the point?!" Why does Melinda feel the need to cheat so profusely and why does Vic feel the need to hold on to the relationship when they are both so clearly miserable? And the flaws do not stop there. There were parts of this movie that appeared out of place and poorly acted, mostly by the group of friends. What was even the point of their scenes? Also, some of the situations are highly unlikely and /or unnatural. I mean, I can see a woman inconspicuously having an affair and even maybe the husband choosing to accept it or turning a blind eye to keep the family together, but who is going to tolerate the neglect of the child, parading around with the men right in front of the husband and his friends? And what was with the snail harvesting and providing the child alcohol so casually?! Parts of the movie also seem out of sequence. Why continue to brazenly bring men around if you know they are going to end up dead and you are so emotionally distraught when they do? You know your neighbor and wife have hired an investigator, yet you continue to kill knowing that they are suspicious of you? I guess I'm glad it streamed free on Hulu because I can see why it was pulled from theaters.