Filmed back in 2019, erotic thriller Deep Water experienced a number of setbacks prior to its release, primarily due to the COVID-19 pandemic. At one point scheduled for a 2020 theatrical premiere, the film was eventually pulled from the schedule entirely before Disney decided to stream it on Hulu. Despite the delays, there were reasons to believe Deep Water had potential. It marks the return of director Adrian Lyne, known for helming titles such as Fatal Attraction, Indecent Proposal, and others (seemingly making him a strong fit for the material). Deep Water also stars Ben Affleck and Ana de Armas as the main couple, giving the movie two high-profile actors. Unfortunately, the end result isn't very compelling. Deep Water is a dull and bland thriller held back by a weak script that even Affleck and de Armas can't save.
In Deep Water, Affleck and de Armas star as married couple Vic and Melinda Van Allen, who are experiencing trouble with their relationship. As part of an unusual arrangement, Vic allows Melinda to see other men as long as she stays married for the sake of their daughter, Trixie (Grace Jenkins). Vic claims to not be bothered by Melinda's promiscuity, but eventually things turn deadly as Vic's internal rage and jealously threaten to boil over and turn his marriage into a dangerous mind game.
Affleck and de Armas were on the precipice of starting a real-life romantic relationship when they filmed Deep Water, but that chemistry isn't apparent in the movie. In some respects, the dynamic works for the story, as their characters have apparently fallen out of love. Still, there aren't many traces of the spark between them to liven things up. Their interactions are cold and emotionless, to the film's detriment. As Deep Water goes on, it becomes harder for the audience to remain invested in the two leads. Affleck and de Armas can disappointingly do little to elevate the material. Both have earned praise for other turns recently, but neither is at the top of their game here. Affleck's performance lacks a biting sinister edge to sell Vic's arc, while de Armas' usually bubbly screen presence is more muted and struggles to make an impact.
Despite the billing, Deep Water comes across as surprisingly timid, hamstrung by a lack of thrills to keep the viewer's attention. The script (which does make some changes from the source novel) is unable to establish any real sense of narrative momentum. It feels more episodic than anything, with Melinda socializing with a new suitor every few scenes. There's an attempt to add some intrigue to the proceedings via Don Wilson (Tracy Letts), someone who suspects Vic of wrongdoing as Melinda's friends go missing. Unfortunately, this subplot is missing the necessary punch needed to make it land with the desired intent. Even when things start to pick up in the third act, it's a case of too little, too late.
Much of the focus is understandably on Affleck and de Armas, but the supporting cast is still severely underserved. None of the actors who play Melinda's extra-marital lovers are onscreen long enough to leave an impression. They're all fairly interchangeable, especially as each of their arcs follows similar story beats. There's also a group of character actors playing a collection of Vic and Melinda's friends (led by Lil Rel Howery) who are just stock characters with very little to do other than react to Vic and Melinda's curious situation. It's hard to fault any of the actors involved since the Deep Water screenplay is weak, though there isn't anyone who's able to even steal some scenes.
Sending Deep Water to Hulu could be interpreted as Disney's move to bury the film, and it's easy to see why they didn't give it much of a push. There were enough pieces here to create something interesting, but it never fully came together. Streaming is definitely the best place for Deep Water. It'd easily get lost in the shuffle if it received a traditional theatrical release — even with Affleck and de Armas as leads. With more appealing streaming options hitting the small screen, plus the multiplex starting to round back into form after the pandemic, it's hard to recommend Deep Water to anyone who isn't a die-hard fan of any of the talents involved.
Deep Water starts streaming on Hulu on March 18, 2022. It is 115 minutes long and is rated R for sexual content, nudity, language, and some violence.
