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Dark Water (2005)
An unexpected pleasure
The real surprise in this film is the level of care and intelligence involved. This genre too often dispenses with credible character and dialogue as if they were plot obstacles. Dark Water has a distinct lack of "why would she go down to the cellar?" moments. The script didn't require Jennifer Connelly to disintegrate at every turn, or to suddenly undergo rapid personality changes. So she was able to portray a troubled character without histrionics. You wont find many other films like this where the supporting characters are so well fleshed out, or played by such a great cast. Particularly enjoyable is John C Reilly's oily sales pitch when he shows the apartment.
Another striking feature is the use of location and lighting. The dingy and oppressive apartment block has a presence of its own. Again this is handled with an intelligence and subtlety that is rare. The apartment block is no Gothic monstrosity or urban war zone, just cheap and grim in a way that is utterly credible.
So you don't get the usual - shocks and scares that leave you feeling cheated by plot holes, and unlikely actions of the characters. Instead you get a disturbing and well crafted gem.