The Water Horse (2007) Movie Review – Where to Watch Online
The Water Horse: Legend of the Deep (2007), directed by Jay Russell, is a magical family film based on the book by Dick King-Smith. This heartwarming movie combines fantasy, adventure, and coming-of-age themes, set against the beautiful backdrop of the Scottish Highlands during World War II. It tells the story of a young boy who discovers an unusual egg that hatches into a mythical creature—a “water horse,” which eventually becomes the famous Loch Ness Monster. With stunning visuals, a touching narrative, and strong performances, The Water Horse is a charming story that appeals to both children and adults alike.
In this review, we’ll explore the film’s plot, the cast’s performances, its appeal to audiences, and where you can stream or rent The Water Horse online.
Plot Overview
The story begins in wartime Scotland, where a lonely boy named Angus MacMorrow (Alex Etel) lives with his mother, Anne (Emily Watson), in a manor near Loch Ness. Angus’s father is away fighting in World War II, and the boy is dealing with feelings of abandonment and loneliness. One day, while exploring near the loch, Angus discovers a mysterious egg that he takes home. To his amazement, the egg hatches into a small, strange creature he names Crusoe.
As Crusoe grows rapidly, Angus realizes that his new pet is a legendary “water horse,” a mythical creature that is said to only have one living member at a time. Crusoe’s size soon becomes too much to hide, forcing Angus to release him into the loch. While the bond between Angus and Crusoe deepens, the war comes closer to home, and the loch becomes the site of military activity. The looming threat of discovery puts Crusoe in danger, as soldiers mistake the creature for an enemy submarine.
As the movie progresses, Angus must find a way to protect Crusoe, all while grappling with his own fears and coming to terms with the absence of his father. The story culminates in a thrilling and emotional climax that highlights the themes of friendship, courage, and letting go.
Performances
The Water Horse benefits from a strong cast that brings depth to its characters. Alex Etel, who plays Angus, is the emotional core of the film. His portrayal of a lonely boy yearning for connection is both heartfelt and relatable, especially for younger audiences. Etel’s innocence and wonder as he bonds with Crusoe adds a layer of authenticity to the fantastical elements of the story.
Emily Watson delivers a solid performance as Angus’s mother, Anne, a woman trying to maintain a sense of normalcy for her family during wartime. Watson brings warmth and strength to her role, balancing her character’s protective instincts with her love for her son.
Ben Chaplin plays Lewis Mowbray, a handyman with a mysterious past who befriends Angus and helps him protect Crusoe. Chaplin’s character provides a sense of adventure and wisdom, serving as both a mentor to Angus and a father figure in the absence of his real father.
David Morrissey plays Captain Hamilton, the military officer in charge of the soldiers stationed near Loch Ness. His character adds tension to the plot, as his suspicions of a creature in the loch put Crusoe at risk.
The real star of the movie, however, is the creature itself—Crusoe. Through a combination of CGI and animatronics, Crusoe is brought to life in a way that feels both magical and real. His relationship with Angus is the heart of the film, and the visual effects team did a remarkable job of making the creature’s emotions visible and relatable, turning him into a character the audience cares about deeply.
Stunning Visuals and Effects
One of the film’s standout features is its beautiful cinematography. Set in the Scottish Highlands, The Water Horse makes full use of the breathtaking landscapes, with sweeping shots of lochs, mountains, and forests. The natural beauty of the setting enhances the movie’s magical tone and helps ground the fantastical elements of the story in a real-world setting.
The visual effects used to bring Crusoe to life are impressive, especially for a family film. As Crusoe grows from a small, playful creature into a majestic and powerful water horse, the movie showcases his evolution with seamless CGI that integrates well with the live-action footage. The creature’s design is both fantastical and believable, making Crusoe a memorable addition to the pantheon of cinematic mythical creatures.
A Magical, Heartwarming Story
At its core, The Water Horse is a story about friendship, bravery, and the challenges of growing up. It’s a film that taps into universal emotions—loneliness, wonder, and the desire to protect those we love. The bond between Angus and Crusoe drives the film’s emotional weight, and their relationship is what makes the movie resonate with audiences, particularly younger viewers.
While The Water Horse is marketed as a family film, its themes of loss, war, and coming-of-age give it a depth that can be appreciated by adults as well. The backdrop of World War II adds a layer of tension to the story, as the looming presence of the military and the war’s impact on Angus’s family provide a contrast to the magical elements of the plot.
The film also explores the idea of letting go—an important lesson for both children and adults. As Angus matures, he learns that true friendship sometimes means saying goodbye, a message that is both poignant and hopeful.
Where to Watch The Water Horse (2007) Online
The Water Horse: Legend of the Deep is available on several streaming platforms in the U.S. and can also be rented or purchased online. Here’s where you can watch the film:
Streaming Services
- Amazon Prime Video – The Water Horse is available to stream with a subscription to Amazon Prime Video. You can also rent or purchase it directly through the platform.
- Netflix – The movie is available for streaming on Netflix, which offers it as part of its family and adventure sections.
- Starz – If you have a Starz subscription, you can stream The Water Horse through their service. Starz also offers a free trial for new users.
Rental and Purchase Options
- Amazon Prime Video – You can rent The Water Horse on Amazon for about $3.99 or purchase it for $12.99.
- Apple iTunes – The movie is available for rent on iTunes for $3.99 and can be purchased for approximately $12.99.
- Google Play Movies – Google Play offers the film for rent at $3.99 and for purchase at $12.99.
- Vudu – Vudu provides both rental and purchase options, with rentals starting at $3.99 and purchases at $12.99.
Why The Water Horse is a Must-Watch
The Water Horse is a perfect family film that balances adventure, magic, and heartwarming emotion. It tells a story that children will love for its magical creature and exciting moments, while adults will appreciate its deeper themes and beautiful cinematography. The movie’s exploration of loss, love, and growing up makes it more than just a simple fantasy; it’s a moving and memorable story that lingers long after the credits roll.
For families looking for a film that offers both entertainment and emotional depth, The Water Horse is a must-watch. Its timeless themes and gorgeous visuals ensure that it’s a movie that can be enjoyed by all ages.
Conclusion
The Water Horse: Legend of the Deep (2007) is a beautifully crafted film that blends fantasy, adventure, and heartfelt emotion. With strong performances from its cast, stunning visual effects, and a touching story about the bond between a boy and a mythical creature, the movie is a standout in the family adventure genre.
For viewers in the U.S., The Water Horse is available on popular streaming platforms like Amazon Prime Video, Netflix, and Starz, as well as for rent or purchase on services like iTunes, Google Play, and Vudu. So gather the family, grab some popcorn, and dive into the magical world of The Water Horse!
