Here, we delved into the world of horror movies, and television. Today, we're diving into the latest horror film from Blumhouse Production's, "Night Swim." Directed by Bryce McGuire and starring Wyatt Russell and Kerry Condon, this film promises to unlock a new fear surrounding swimming pools and the darkness that lurks within. As a horror fan myself, I had the opportunity to early screen this film, and now I'm here to share my thoughts and insights with you.
A Familiar Setting with a Sinister Twist
"Night Swim" centers around a family who moves into a new house, only to be terrorized by evil spirits connected to their swimming pool. While water horrors may not typically scare me, I was intrigued by the concept and eager to see how Blumhouse would bring this fear to life. However, upon watching the film, I found myself somewhat underwhelmed.
The movie is called Night Swim, but primarily, a lot of the things that happen near the pool happened during the daytime, I observed. The film seemed to miss the mark in terms of creating a truly terrifying nighttime atmosphere. While there were some jump scare moments, they didn't do enough to elevate the overall experience. In my own opinion, Jump scares can sometimes feel like a cheap way to win over audiences.
The Power of Performances
Despite my reservations about the film's execution, I must commend the performances of the cast. Wyatt Russell and Kerry Condon deliver strong performances, showcasing their talent and adding depth to their characters. Wyatt's great at what he does, Kerry is awesome at what she does.I sometimes forget that Condon' thick accent even exists through her performance. The young actors, Amelie Hoeferie and Gavin Warren portraying the children in the film also deserve recognition for carrying many of the scenes. But these just aren't enough to create a stand out experience.
Unanswered Questions and Unexplained Phenomena
One of the major issues I had with "Night Swim" was the lack of clarity surrounding certain events. There are some really creepy, well executed weird things that happen in this film that are immensely unexplainable. While I understand that supernatural and spiritual films often rely on the unknown to create fear, the lack of explanation left me feeling unsatisfied.
A Formulaic Approach
"Night Swim" follows a familiar formula seen in many family related horror movies. It adheres to the beats and tropes that have become expected in the genre. At times, it even hints at similarities to the iconic film "Amityville," complete with a bearded character reminiscent of the infamous Amityville haunting. While this formulaic approach may appeal to some horror fans seeking a familiar experience, it falls flat for those looking for something fresh and innovative.
The Third Act: A Glimmer of Promise
Despite my reservations about the film as a whole, I must acknowledge that the third act of "Night Swim" offers some intriguing and outlandish moments. It is during this portion of the film that the horror truly intensifies and becomes genuinely creepy. The third act is pretty interesting. It is in these moments that the film begins to tap into its potential and deliver on the promise of a edge of your seat experience.
The Verdict? One A Mixed Bag
In conclusion, "Night Swim" is a film that falls somewhere in the middle of the horror spectrum. While it has its moments of intrigue and genuine scares, it ultimately fails to deliver a truly memorable experience. The lack of clarity surrounding certain events and the film's reliance on familiar tropes prevent it from standing out in a crowded genre. However, for die-hard horror fans in need of a fix, I still recommend giving it a watch.
As we enter the new year, I hope to see more innovative and boundary-pushing horror films that truly push the limits of the genre. While "Night Swim" may not have hit the mark for me personally, I encourage you to form your own opinion and share your thoughts. Happy new year, and until next time, stay spooky.
For more visual review check out: