Vic and Melinda Van Allen are a couple in the small town of Little Wesley. Their loveless marriage is held together only by a precarious arrangement whereby, in order to avoid the messiness of divorce, Melinda is allowed to take any number of lovers as long as she does not desert her family.
“Deep Water” 2022 Movie Review: A Steamy Psychological Thriller with a Sinister Twist
Introduction “Deep Water,” directed by Adrian Lyne and based on the novel by Patricia Highsmith, marks Lyne’s return to the director’s chair after a two-decade hiatus. The film stars Ben Affleck and Ana de Armas as a couple caught in a toxic marriage filled with psychological manipulation and dark secrets. Set against the backdrop of a seemingly idyllic suburban life, “Deep Water” explores the complexities of love, jealousy, and the dangerous games that can unfold within a relationship.
Plot Overview Vic (Ben Affleck) and Melinda Van Allen (Ana de Armas) are an affluent couple whose marriage is on the brink of collapse due to Melinda’s serial infidelities and Vic’s unsettling response to them. Rather than confront the issues head-on, Vic opts for a more sinister approach, insinuating to Melinda’s lovers that he might be responsible for the mysterious disappearance of her previous affairs. As the couple navigates their fraught relationship, the psychological stakes escalate, leading to disturbing revelations and deadly consequences.
Cast and Performances Ben Affleck delivers a subdued yet menacing performance as Vic, perfectly capturing the character’s calculated calm and underlying menace. Ana de Armas shines as Melinda, effectively portraying a range of emotions from seductive and carefree to vulnerable and frightened. Together, Affleck and de Armas have a palpable chemistry that oscillates between passion and hatred, driving the film’s tense and unsettling atmosphere.
Direction and Cinematography Adrian Lyne, known for his work on psychological thrillers like “Fatal Attraction,” brings a masterful touch to “Deep Water,” using his signature style to ramp up the erotic tension and psychological suspense. The cinematography complements this approach with lush, moody visuals that underscore the film’s themes of deception and danger lurking beneath the surface of a polished exterior.
Themes and Symbolism “Deep Water” delves into themes of control, betrayal, and the destructiveness of unchecked desires. The film portrays the marriage as a psychological battleground where love is weaponized, and truth is malleable. Water, a recurring motif in the film, symbolizes both the subconscious and the unknown depths of the characters’ psyches, hinting at the murky moral waters they navigate.
Conclusion “Deep Water” is a gripping return for Adrian Lyne, offering a modern take on the erotic thriller genre that probes the dark side of human nature and relationships. While the plot occasionally veers into melodrama, the strong performances and stylish direction keep the audience engaged and intrigued.
Final Thoughts For fans of psychological thrillers and those interested in the dynamics of troubled relationships, “Deep Water” provides a compelling, if occasionally unsettling, cinematic experience. It’s a film that combines erotic charge with psychological depth, making it a notable entry in Adrian Lyne’s filmography.
