After a long absence, British director Adrian (Fatal Attraction) Lyne attempts a comeback with the erotic psychological thriller, Deep Water.
The shallow screenplay by Zach Helm and Sam Levinson is based on the 1957 novel by Patricia Highsmith.
The film stars Ben Affleck and Ana de Armas, with Tracy Letts, Lil Rel Howery, Dash Mihok, Finn Wittrock, Kristen Connolly, and Jacob Elordi in supporting roles.
It marks Lyne’s return to filmmaking after a 20-year absence since his last film, Unfaithful (2002), which had earned Diane Lane her first and only Best Actress Oscar nomination.
Deep Water was released on Hulu on March 18, 2022, after several delays due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
It received mixed to negative reviews from critics.
Setting and Narrative Premise
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.
His relationship with Melinda is based on precarious arrangement: they sleep apart and Melinda takes lovers openly, even in their home.
Their open marriage is no secret, and Vic grows increasingly jealous, while Melinda laments his lack of passion.
Melinda invites her latest lover Joel to neighbor’s party, and Vic tells him that he had murdered Melinda’s previous lover Martin.
Cast
Ben Affleck as Vic Van Allen
Ana de Armas as Melinda Van Allen
Tracy Letts as Don Wilson
Grace Jenkins as Trixie Van Allen
Dash Mihok as Jonas Fernandez
Rachel Blanchard as Kristin Peterson
Kristen Connolly as Kelly Wilson
Jacob Elordi as Charlie De Lisle
