Explore our Deep Water movie review for Adrian Lyne’s 2022 thriller with Ben Affleck and Ana de Armas. Delve into jealousy, suspense, and Hulu’s erotic drama—IMDb 5.5/10 unpacked.
Introduction
Deep Water, Adrian Lyne’s 2022 return after 20 years, fuses erotic psychological thriller with drama. Starring Ben Affleck and Ana de Armas, it adapts Patricia Highsmith’s novel amid buzz for Lyne’s steamy style post-Fatal Attraction. This Deep Water movie review probes its marital mind games.
Movie Details
Story Overview
Vic Van Allen, a retired tech millionaire, and his vibrant wife Melinda live in upscale Louisiana with their young daughter. Their open marriage allows Melinda flings to stave off divorce, but Vic’s quiet jealousy simmers beneath his passive facade. Poolside parties and neighbor chats mask brewing tensions.
As Melinda’s lovers cycle through, suspicions mount among friends, turning social gatherings sinister. Vic’s pet snails symbolize his controlled chaos, while Melinda pushes boundaries. The setup builds slow dread through domestic unease.
Highsmith’s influence shines in moral ambiguity, keeping viewers guessing motives.
Performances & Acting Review
Ben Affleck broods effectively as Vic, his stoic glares conveying coiled menace and vulnerability. Subtle menace suits the passive-aggressive husband. Ana de Armas sizzles as Melinda, radiating defiance and allure with magnetic energy.
Tracy Letts steals scenes as sly neighbor Don, injecting wit. Supporting cast like Lil Rel Howery adds levity. Leads’ chemistry crackles erotically, though some find Affleck one-note.
They anchor the psychodrama convincingly.
Direction, Cinematography & Music
Adrian Lyne crafts simmering suspense with masterful erotic tension, evoking his ’90s heyday. Zach Helm and Sam Levinson’s script tweaks Highsmith faithfully yet accessibly. Lyne’s touch elevates familiar beats.
Harry Gesner’s cinematography luxuriates in lush Louisiana homes and ponds, shadows hinting darkness. Alberto Iglesias’ score pulses ominously, amplifying unease.
Atmosphere drips with unease.
What Works Well
- Erotic Charge: Steamy sequences deliver Lyne’s signature heat.
- Affleck’s Restraint: Understated menace builds dread effectively.
- Highsmith Vibes: Twisted psychology hooks thriller fans.
- Production Values: Opulent sets immerse fully.
Ideal for slow-burn suspense lovers.
What Could Have Been Better
Pacing drags with meandering subplots and dinner scenes. Climax rushes, undercutting buildup. Chemistry falters in drama, feeling forced.
Script glosses character motivations, leaving twists hollow. Uneven tone mixes camp and seriousness awkwardly.
Sharper editing needed punch.
Official Trailer
Audience Reaction & IMDb Rating
Deep Water scores 5.5/10 on IMDb from 68K ratings, Rotten Tomatoes 35% critics (4.9/10 average), audience around 50%. Metacritic 53/100 mixed.
Viewers praise atmosphere and stars’ allure, dubbing it “guilty pleasure.” Critics bash slow pace, weak thrills: “far from Lyne’s best.” Polarized cult following.
Final Verdict
Deep Water movie review: Moody erotic thriller with strong leads but sluggish pace. Lyne fans will savor; others may drown in boredom. 6/10.
FAQs
Is Deep Water based on a book?
Yes, Patricia Highsmith’s 1957 novel, known for Ripley tales.
Who stars in Deep Water 2022?
Ben Affleck as Vic, Ana de Armas as Melinda, Tracy Letts supporting.
Where to watch Deep Water?
Streams on Hulu (US), Prime Video internationally.
Does Deep Water have nudity?
R-rated for sexual content, language; expect intimate scenes.
Adrian Lyne’s last film before Deep Water?
Unfaithful in 2002, marking 20-year hiatus.
Conclusion with Call-to-Action
Deep Water dives into marital darkness with style. Loved the tension or found it tepid? Check the trailer and comment! Subscribe for more thrillers.
