A lot of people have been ragging on Night Swim, criticising it for lacking originality, but how could I hate on this too much when The Exorcist Believer exists? Admittedly, Night Swim might not be the most innovative horror film of recent years, but at least it is well made, undemanding entertainment that is, most importantly, not directed by David Gordon Green.
The film plays on one's fear of what possible horrors lurk beneath the surface of a body of water, in this case, the swimming pool in the back yard of the Waller family, who bought the property unaware of its sinister past. It turns out that the pool has the ability to grant one's desire, but requires a life as payment in return.
As someone who is not comfortable in water, especially when I can't see the bottom, I found it to be an effectively creepy tale that makes inventive use of its commonplace location, the film delivering plenty of atmosphere, likeable performances, and a satisfying resolution, although it must be noted that the film is strictly PG, so the scares are relatively tame (no gory death scenes to upset the kids).
6/10. An enjoyable, unpretentious popcorn flick that doesn't deserve the hate.
The film plays on one's fear of what possible horrors lurk beneath the surface of a body of water, in this case, the swimming pool in the back yard of the Waller family, who bought the property unaware of its sinister past. It turns out that the pool has the ability to grant one's desire, but requires a life as payment in return.
As someone who is not comfortable in water, especially when I can't see the bottom, I found it to be an effectively creepy tale that makes inventive use of its commonplace location, the film delivering plenty of atmosphere, likeable performances, and a satisfying resolution, although it must be noted that the film is strictly PG, so the scares are relatively tame (no gory death scenes to upset the kids).
6/10. An enjoyable, unpretentious popcorn flick that doesn't deserve the hate.