Adrian Lyne, celebrated for his mastery of erotic thrillers (Fatal Attraction, Unfaithful), returns to the genre after a two-decade hiatus with Deep Water (2022). Adapted from Patricia Highsmith’s 1957 novel, the film promises a heady mix of psychological tension, erotic intrigue, and murder. Starring Ben Affleck and Ana de Armas, Deep Water explores the unraveling of a seemingly perfect marriage set against a backdrop of wealth and deception. While the film boasts a stellar cast and an evocative atmosphere, it falls short of its potential, delivering a story that struggles to maintain narrative focus or emotional depth.
Plot Overview: A Marriage on the Edge
At the heart of Deep Water is the marriage of Vic Van Allen (Ben Affleck) and Melinda Van Allen (Ana de Armas), a couple trapped in a toxic, co-dependent relationship. Vic, a wealthy and intelligent man, has made his fortune inventing microchips for drones, while Melinda is a free-spirited, unapologetically flirtatious woman who flaunts her infidelities openly. The unorthodox arrangement appears to work as long as Vic suppresses his jealousy and rage.
However, cracks begin to show when one of Melinda’s lovers disappears, followed by another under suspicious circumstances. As whispers of Vic’s potential involvement spread through their social circle, the line between loyalty and resentment blurs, leading to an escalating series of manipulative games, confrontations, and dark revelations.
Themes and Symbolism
1. The Facade of Suburban Perfection
Set in an affluent suburban neighborhood, the film critiques the veneer of perfection in privileged lifestyles. Vic and Melinda’s beautiful home and wealth mask their dysfunctional marriage, mirroring the hollow emptiness beneath their glamorous surface.
2. Jealousy and Control
The film examines jealousy not as a fleeting emotion but as a destructive force that feeds on insecurity. Vic’s quiet tolerance masks deep resentment, and his eventual actions challenge traditional notions of love and possession.
3. The Nature of Power in Relationships
- Vic exerts power through silent endurance and implied menace, while Melinda wields hers through seduction and public humiliation.
- Their dynamic reflects a constant tug-of-war, where neither is entirely victim nor villain, leaving the audience questioning the morality of their choices.
Strengths: What Works in Deep Water
1. Strong Performances
- Ben Affleck as Vic: Affleck delivers a nuanced performance, blending quiet menace with vulnerability. His portrayal of a man teetering on the edge of control adds depth to an otherwise underwritten character.
- Ana de Armas as Melinda: De Armas captivates as the seductive and manipulative Melinda, commanding attention in every scene with her boldness and unpredictability. Her chemistry with Affleck—both on-screen and off-screen—adds a layer of intrigue.
2. Visuals and Atmosphere
- Adrian Lyne’s signature style is evident in the film’s lush visuals and moody cinematography. The carefully crafted settings and lingering shots create an aura of sensuality and tension, even when the narrative falters.
3. A Provocative Premise
The concept of a marriage sustained by manipulation and passive-aggressive games offers rich thematic potential. Highsmith’s novel serves as a fertile foundation for exploring the darker corners of human relationships.
Weaknesses: Where Deep Water Falls Short
1. Lack of Narrative Focus
- The film’s pacing feels uneven, with scenes meandering rather than building tension. Key moments lack the narrative drive needed to sustain the psychological thriller elements.
- The central mystery—whether Vic is truly a murderer—is undermined by a lack of suspense, making the revelations feel predictable rather than shocking.
2. Muted Eroticism
- Lyne, known for his ability to blend eroticism with narrative depth, holds back in Deep Water. While the chemistry between Affleck and de Armas sizzles in moments, the film’s erotic tension is underwhelming compared to Lyne’s earlier works.
3. Underdeveloped Characters
- Melinda’s motivations remain frustratingly vague, making her come across as a caricature of the “dangerous woman” trope rather than a fully realized character.
- Secondary characters, such as Melinda’s lovers and the couple’s friends, are treated as disposable plot devices, failing to enrich the story.
Comparison to Patricia Highsmith’s Novel
Highsmith’s novel is a masterclass in psychological tension, exploring themes of guilt, morality, and obsession with sharp precision. While Deep Water attempts to capture the novel’s essence, it lacks the psychological complexity and layered storytelling that define Highsmith’s work.
Reception and Legacy
- Critical Reception: Deep Water received mixed reviews, with critics praising the performances and atmosphere but criticizing the weak narrative and lack of tension. It was seen as a missed opportunity, given the talent involved.
- Streaming Release: Released on Hulu and Amazon Prime, the film bypassed a theatrical release, which may have limited its cultural impact but made it accessible to a wider audience.
Conclusion: A Shallow Dive
Deep Water promises a thrilling exploration of love, betrayal, and murder but ultimately fails to deliver on its potential. While Ben Affleck and Ana de Armas bring their A-game, the film’s lack of narrative focus, muted tension, and underdeveloped characters leave it feeling hollow.
Adrian Lyne’s return to the genre is welcome, but Deep Water falls short of the provocative, edge-of-your-seat experience that fans of his earlier works might expect. Despite its shortcomings, the film offers moments of intrigue and drama, making it a worthwhile, albeit flawed, entry in the psychological thriller genre.