Deep Water (2022) Movie Review

Adrian Lyne's "Deep Water" has garnered a lot of attention since it was released on Hulu. The movie, which was produced by Fox, was eventually acquired by Disney and was later released on Hulu, a move that disappointed fans who were hoping for a theatrical release. The film has been dubbed a "return to movies for adults," a genre that has become increasingly rare in today's PG-13-driven studio system. The hype around the film has been compounded by the fact that it's the first film that Lyne has directed in over two decades.

Based on Patricia Highsmith's 1957 novel, "Deep Water" is a complex tale of sex, murder, and infidelity. The movie centers around Vic Van Allen (Ben Affleck) and his wife, Melinda (Ana de Armas), who are trapped in a loveless marriage. The couple's relationship is already in a fragile state when they begin to engage in extramarital affairs. However, things take a sinister turn when Vic starts to suspect that Melinda's lovers are being murdered by her husband.

Despite the hype surrounding the film, the reviews have been mixed, and some critics have pointed out that the movie feels like it has been through the editing process. The final act, in particular, has been singled out as being choppy and abrupt. Nevertheless, the movie still manages to captivate viewers with its captivating performances, including a standout performance by Ben Affleck.

Affleck plays the role of Vic Van Allen with great nuance, capturing the character's simmering selfishness perfectly. The actor's portrayal of Vic's increasing temperature, particularly when he sees Melinda with a new lover, is reminiscent of his work in "Gone Girl." The sexual tension between the two leads is palpable and underscores the movie's psychosexual dysfunction theme.

There is a fascinating thematic undercurrent in "Deep Water" about two people who seem very different but are both users. Melinda uses men for pleasure and to provoke her husband, while Vic uses his wealth and power to control those around him. Both are selfish creatures who give in to their basic instincts in ways that most moral people repress. Affleck and de Armas sell this psychosexual dysfunction perfectly, and their physical beauty and sexual chemistry are used to great effect on screen.

Tracy Letts' portrayal of Don Wilson, who drives the plot, is also commendable. Don becomes obsessed with proving that Vic is a murderer and devotes a great deal of time and capital to his theory. The movie hints at some darker themes in its final act, and the longer version is likely to unpack these themes more. Nevertheless, the actors' performances and the director's use of their physicality make for a compelling watch.

Lyne's use of physical beauty and sexual chemistry is a standout feature of "Deep Water." The movie reminds viewers of how rarely we see this kind of thing between major movie stars. Lil Rel Howery also delivers an effective performance in a small role, adding to the movie's depth.

Despite the movie's strengths, the ending feels abrupt and choppy, with a questionable choice for the closing credits. However, the film does enough before then to win over audiences, making it a vicious piece of work that is unafraid to see the primal, darker parts that beautiful people hide behind their gorgeous facades. "Deep Water" may not be the comeback that fans of Lyne were hoping for, but it is a reminder that this kind of movie can still get made today.

In conclusion, "Deep Water" is a film that has received a lot of attention and pressure due to its anticipation as a return to "movies for adults" and the fact that it's the first film in two decades from the director of "Fatal Attraction" and "9 ½ Weeks." Based on the 1957 novel by Patricia Highsmith, the film explores themes of psychosexual dysfunction and the primal, darker parts of human nature that beautiful people hide behind their gorgeous facades. Despite some weaknesses in the plot, especially in the final act, the film delivers a great performance from Ben Affleck and an exploration of fascinating thematic undercurrents. It may not be the comeback that fans of Adrian Lyne were hoping for, but it's a reminder that this kind of movie can still get made today.