Deep Water (2022)

Deep Water (2022)

Taglines The love story is never the whole story.

Deep Water Movie Storyline. Vic and Melinda Van Allen are a couple in the small town of Little Wesley. Their loveless marriage is held together only by a precarious arrangement whereby, in order to avoid the messiness of divorce, Melinda is allowed to take any number of lovers as long as she does not desert her family.

Vic becomes fascinated with the unsolved murder of one of Melinda’s former lovers, Martin McRae, and, in order to successfully drive away her current fling, takes credit for the killing. When the real murderer is apprehended, Vic’s claims are interpreted by the community as dark jokes.

Deep Water is an American erotic psychological thriller film directed by Adrian Lyne, based on the 1957 novel of the same name by Patricia Highsmith, from a screenplay by Zach Helm and Sam Levinson. The film stars Ben Affleck and Ana de Armas, with Tracy Letts, Rachel Blanchard, and Lil Rel Howery appearing in supporting roles, and marks Lyne’s return to filmmaking after a 20-year absence since his last film Unfaithful (2002). 20th Century Studios will release the film in the United States on January 14, 2022.

Deep Water (2022) - Ana de Armas
Deep Water (2022) – Ana de Armas

About the Story

Melinda and Vic Van Allen live with their young daughter Trixie in Little Wesley, Louisiana. Vic has retired early after developing guidance chips for combat drones, and his complicated relationship with Melinda is held together by a precarious arrangement: they sleep apart and Melinda takes lovers openly, even in their family home, while Vic finds solace in raising his large collection of snails. Their open marriage is no secret to their concerned friends, and Vic grows increasingly jealous, while Melinda laments his lack of passion.

Melinda invites her latest lover, Joel, to a neighbour’s party. Alone with Joel, Vic tells him that he murdered Melinda’s previous lover Martin, who has recently disappeared. The story spreads through their circle of friends, raising the suspicions of noir writer Don Wilson. Joel comes to dinner with the Van Allen family, and Vic elaborates in private that he killed Martin with a hammer, frightening Joel into leaving town. A TV news report reveals that Martin’s body has been found shot to death, and a suspect is arrested.

Vic confronts Melinda after she gives money to Charlie, her new lover and piano teacher. She invites Charlie to a friend’s pool party and introduces him to Vic, toying with his jealousy. Rain sends everyone inside, leaving Vic and Charlie alone in the water. After Melinda discovers Charlie’s body drowned in the pool, the party is questioned by police, and Melinda is quick to accuse Vic of murdering Charlie. He later asks if she is scared of him, and she says she is not as “I’m the one you killed for”.

Don’s wife Kelly tells Vic that her husband and Melinda have been accusing him of Charlie’s murder. Vic discovers they have hired a private investigator to follow him, and confronts Don in front of Don’s family. Melinda reconnects with an old boyfriend, Tony, and Vic overhears their conversation suggesting they will move to Brazil, taking Trixie with them. She invites Tony to dinner with Vic and takes him to her bedroom, furthering Vic’s jealousy.

Vic lures Tony into his car and drives him to a secluded spot he and Melinda share, overlooking a rocky gorge. He throws stones at Tony, causing him to fall down the hill to his death, and sinks his body in the creek. Melinda takes Vic and their daughter on a picnic to the same spot. Vic gives her a collection of photographs he has surreptitiously taken of her as a testament to his love, but spots Tony’s body resurfaced in the creek. Returning home, he offers to go back to the spot in the morning to retrieve Melinda’s lost scarf. She notifies Don, but invites Vic to share her bed that night.

Deep Water Movie Poster (2022)

Deep Water (2022)

Directed by: Adrian Lyne
Starring: Ana de Armas, Ben Affleck, Kristen Connolly, Tracy Letts, Jacob Elordi, Rachel Blanchard, Dash Mihok, Lil Rel Howery, Victoria Paige Watkins, Jade Fernandez, Jaren Mitchell
Screenplay by: Zach Helm, Sam Levinson. Novel: Patricia Highsmith
Production Design by: Jeannine Oppewall
Cinematography by: Eigil Bryld
Costume Design by: Heidi Bivens
Art Direction by: Kelly Curley
MPAA Rating: R for sexual content, nudity, language and some violence.
Distributed by: 30th Century Studios
Release Date: January 14, 2022

Views: 116