Although most anything can happen in the 21st Century, it seems the film Deep Water’s bizarre psychological thriller just doesn’t provide enough logic to fill a two column news story. That said, apart from the nice acting and production value, if you take it with a “grain of salt” it still entertains.
Seeming a model couple, Vic (Ben Affleck) and Melinda Van Allen (Ana de Armas) are very popular in their upscale community. Welcomed to parties of the elite and even hosting some of the big affairs in their estate home, the upper crust are on the guest list. But, the one thing that separates the handsome couple is an agreement that Melinda can see other men and therefore agrees to stay in their unstable marriage. While Vic is certainly willing to fill the needs of Melinda’s sexual appetite, it’s her that finds the thrill of being with other men.
The main problem with the agreement is that Melinda flaunts her freedom even in front of party guests. When Melinda’s fling partners start disappearing, Vic becomes the center of attention of the police. Director Adrian Lynne takes the screenplay that’s dissected from noted writer Patricia Highsmith. She authored popular novels like “The Talented Mr. Ripley” that spawned several movies. But, this movie version has the problem of visualizing the arrangement between Vic and Melinda so there’s nothing left to the imagination like a novel would have to individual readers. Director Lynne wastes no time in showing Melinda as a free spirit inviting lovers to her parties or meeting them at upscale affairs, even getting a quickie that brings concerning glances form most of the guests.
Deep Water has been rated R by the MPAA for sexual content, nudity, language and some violence. It is targeted mainly to those that like psychological thrillers, but really never makes the grade. Check out the movie trailer at the bottom of this article for more information.
Additional Film Information:
Cast: Ben Affleck, Ana de Armas, Tracy Letts, Lil Rel Howery, Dash Mihok,
Finn Wittrock, Kristen Connolly, Jacob Elordi, Rachel Blanchard, Michael
Braun, Jade Fernandez, Grace Jenkins
Director: Adrian Lynne
Genre: Psychological thriller
MPAA Rating: R for sexual content, nudity, language and some violence
Running Time: 1 Hr. 54 Min.
Opening Date: March 18, 2022
Distributed by: Twentieth Century Studios
Released in: HULU
Writer, critic, film editor John Delia, Sr. has been on all sides of the movie business from publications to film making. He has worked as a film critic with ACED Magazine for more than 20 years and other publications for a total of 40 years. He earned a Bachelor’s degree in communications from the University of Florida. John is a member of the Southeastern Film Critics Association and Critics Association of Central Florida Send John a message at jdelia@acedmagazine.com
