My quick rating - 4.5/10. This flick dives headfirst into the pool of mediocrity, struggling to stay afloat amidst its tepid storyline and lackluster execution. This film, unfortunately, fails to make a splash in the horror genre, leaving you with a lukewarm and forgettable experience. The plot follows Ray Waller (Wyatt Russell), a former baseball player forced into early retirement due to a degenerative illness. Seeking solace and a chance at redemption, Ray moves his family into a new home with a shimmering backyard swimming pool. The narrative unfolds predictably, with Ray's secret hope of returning to professional baseball and the supposedly therapeutic benefits of the pool for his condition. However, the film's descent into inescapable terror feels more like a gradual sink into banality. The central theme of the movie revolves around a dark secret in the home's past that unleashes a malevolent force upon the Waller family. Unfortunately, the execution lacks the tension and suspense necessary to elevate the horror elements. Jump scares and clichéd tropes are overused, diminishing their impact and making the film feel formulaic and uninspired. I have never seen the short movie this is adapted from, but I have a feeling the whole idea just works better in a limited running time. The characters, including Ray Waller, failed to give me any reason to care about their plight. Despite the potentially emotional backdrop of Ray's struggle with illness and his desire for a comeback, the narrative fails to delve deep into the complexities of these themes. The family dynamic, meant to anchor the horror, falls flat, and the characters' actions often leave viewers questioning their motivations. The flick also suffers from pacing issues, dragging its feet in establishing a genuine sense of dread. The film's transition from a potentially intriguing short story to a full-length feature seems forced, resulting in a stretched and diluted narrative that struggles to maintain engagement. While the premise holds some promise, the film fails to capitalize on its potential. It's evident that Night Swim would have been better suited as a shorter format, as the elongated runtime amplifies its shortcomings rather than enhancing the viewing experience. The film treads water in the vast pool of horror cinema, failing to distinguish itself and ultimately leaving audiences yearning for more depth and originality. The flick is just unable to rise above its clichéd horror tropes and lackluster execution. Despite an intriguing premise, the film's forced transition to a full-length feature dilutes its impact, resulting in a forgettable experience that fails to make waves in the horror genre.
This one is streaming for theater-at-home pricing as of 3.05.24 if interested.
