MOVIE REVIEW: "Deep Water"; The Erotic Commentary on Marriage Sinks Into the Abyss
5/12 ForReel Score | 2/5 Stars
It’s clear when a studio doesn’t have confidence in one of their films, and while streaming services now host quality original content, they can also be dumping grounds for less than stellar filmmaking. Deep Water is a prime example. The film was shelved for almost two years then rushed to Hulu with little to no advertisement. The cast and erotic content produced much hype when the release date was announced, but that quickly dissipated. The characters are unlikable, the plot is laughable, and the only saving grace is the cinematography. Deep Water drowns in its own drama.
The film revolves around married couple Vic (Ben Affleck, Gone Girl) and Melinda (Ana de Armas, Knives Out). They both seem to despise each other, but won’t leave the relationship. They don’t have a typical marriage, not even by open marriage standards. Melinda walks all over her husband and openly flaunts sexual relationships with younger men. As her lovers begin to disappear their relationship implodes.
Affleck sleepwalks through his performance. Vic is portrayed as an emotionally guarded person, but the execution comes off as dead pan. Thankfully Armas’s chaotic personality brings life into the story. She’s an alcoholic, but what she is really addicted to is being a spectacle. Her disdain for Vic and their relationship is front and center, which is one of the main issues of the film. The plot is on display and highly predictable; if written as a mystery, perhaps it could have gotten more traction.
The film is based on the novel of the same name by Patricia Highsmith, who has written stories such as Strangers on a Train, The Talented Mr. Ripley, and The Price of Salt - the inspiration for Carol. Based on her track record, the plot misfires do not seem to be a result of the source material. The film was co-written by Sam Levinson (Euphoria) and Zach Helm (Stranger Than Fiction) and directed by Adrian Lyne (Fatal Attraction), and Lyne hasn’t made a film since Unfaithful 20 years ago. It is said he’s been weary of American cinema since his film 9 ½ Weeks was “neutered” before its theatrical release. The film premiered in Europe as he originally intended and received rave reviews. Lyne was adamant about having final say of Deep Water’s cut and said it was released how he originally intended. However the last act feels as if it’s missing a scene or two.
The true shining star is Eigil Bryld as cinematographer. The shots are sculpted magnificently and tend to be filled with color. Scenes when Melinda is forcing a power play, the position of the camera feeds into her deception. The scenes where Vic interacts with his pet snails is the only scene to depict love. It’s a charming romantic moment, not clouded by lust or deceit.
The film started off decently enough but didn't do enough to hold the audience’s attention. The off screen romance between Affleck and Armas was much more tantalizing. Their lack of chemistry on screen may be the reason Ben is back with JLO. It’s truly a joy to see explicit eroticism return to cinema, but that doesn’t save Deep Water enough from drowning in the shallow end.
Watch now with subscription
Acting and Casting - 1 | Visual Effects and Editing - 2 | Story and Message - 0 | Entertainment Value - 1 | Music Score and Soundtrack - 0 | Reviewer's Preference -1 | What does this mean?