Title: Night Swim
Director: Bryce McGuire
Starring: Wyatt Russell, Kerry Condon, Amélie Hoferle, Gavin Warren
Rating: 2/5
Bryce McGuire’s “Night Swim” dives into the realm of horror with a premise that initially holds promise but ultimately fails to deliver. Originally conceived as a short film, its expansion to feature length does little to elevate its soggy plotline. Despite potential, the film struggles to stay afloat, leaving audiences with a lukewarm experience unlikely to make waves in the horror genre.
The narrative kicks off in 1992, with a young girl’s mysterious disappearance after a nocturnal swim in an outdoor pool, setting the stage for the eerie events to follow. Fast forward to the present, another family moves into the same ominous house, unaware of its dark history. Led by Ray Waller (Wyatt Russell), a former baseball player grappling with multiple sclerosis, the family seeks solace in their new home. Ray’s miraculous recovery upon swimming in the neglected pool sparks hope, but ominous signs soon emerge, revealing the sinister truth lurking beneath the surface.
Despite the intriguing premise, “Night Swim” struggles to tread water, weighed down by its lackluster execution. The film’s attempts at exploring themes of family dynamics and sacrifice fall flat, marred by inept metaphors and disjointed storytelling. As the plot unfolds, the promised revelations prove convoluted and unsatisfying, culminating in a baffling and illogical conclusion.
One of the film’s major drawbacks lies in its inability to instill genuine fear or tension. The concept of a malevolent swimming pool fails to evoke the primal dread typically associated with horror. Unlike the chilling allure of open waters inhabited by a killer shark, “Night Swim” fails to capitalize on its central premise, leaving audiences adrift in a sea of mediocrity.
Despite a commendable effort from the cast, including solid performances from Wyatt Russell and Kerry Condon, the film struggles to transcend its shallow depths. Amélie Hoferle and Gavin Warren offer promising performances as the children caught in the grip of supernatural forces, but their efforts are undermined by a lackluster script and uninspired direction.
In conclusion, “Night Swim” proves to be a missed opportunity in the horror genre. Despite a promising premise and capable performances, the film flounders due to its disjointed storytelling, lack of genuine scares, and unsatisfying resolution. While it may hold some appeal for die-hard horror enthusiasts, most audiences are likely to find themselves sinking into disappointment rather than swimming in suspense.
