Night Swim (2024) – Movie Review
“Night Swim” may scratch that itch for horror fans who need a jump scare, but it certainly won’t start off the year on a high note for Blumhouse like “M3GAN” did.
[Unless Said Otherwise] Spoiler Alert: This summary and review contains spoilers.
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Plot Summary
At one time, Ray Waller was a top professional baseball player, but with an MS diagnosis, he was forced into what surely will be early retirement. But, on a positive note, with his family not having to worry about him being traded or having to move, it means Eve can settle and find a job, and Izzy and Elliot can make friends they won’t have to say goodbye to quickly.
Enter a spacious home with a pool, and things seem perfect. Eve got a job at the nearby middle school, where Elliot goes. The swimming pool can be where Ray exercises, and Izzy practices since she has a crush on a boy on the swim team, and things look good. In fact, Ray, as he changed his diet and did exercises, was getting better!
The problem is, that the pool is something special, and as time goes on, the family comes to learn how, why, and what it requires for the blessings Ray is receiving.
Content Information
- Dialog: Cursing (Occasional)
- Violence: Blood (Minor open wounds and cuts)
- Sexual Content: None
- Miscellaneous: Depiction of Corpses, Body Horror, Vomiting
General Information
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Director(s) |
Bryce McGuire |
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Screenplay By |
Bryce McGuire, Rod Blackhurst |
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Based On Work By |
Bryce McGuire, Rod Blackhurst |
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Date Released |
January 4, 2024 |
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How To Watch |
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Genre(s) |
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Film Length |
1 Hour 38 Minutes |
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Content Rating |
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Noted Characters and Cast |
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Ray Waller |
Wyatt Russell |
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Eve Waller |
Kerry Condon |
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Izzy Waller |
Amélie Hoeferle |
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Elliot Waller |
Gavin Warren |
Character Descriptions
Please Note: This character guide is not an exhaustive list of every cast member, and character descriptions may contain what can be considered spoilers.
Ray Weller (Wyatt Russell)
Ray is a former pro baseball player, currently trying to manage a MS diagnosis that has forced him into what he hopes is only a temporary retirement.
Eve Waller (Kerry Condon)
Eve is an administrator at Elliot’s school, currently finishing her own education to become a special education teacher.
- The actor is also known for their role in “Gold.”
Izzy Waller (Amélie Hoeferle)
Eve and Ray’s eldest is a notable athlete like her father, who is building up her swimmer abilities.
Elliot Waller (Gavin Warren)
Elliot Waller is Izzy’s kid brother who is trying to catch up with his peers and struggles socially.
Review
Our Rating: Mixed (Divisive)
Highlights
You Can Get Invested In The Family
When it comes to the Waller family, I think enough was done for them to seem like an everyday family. Ray’s diagnosis stole the one thing he knew he was good at, perhaps even better than being a father. Eve, while happy to see her husband more, recognizes he struggles with the idea of starting a new chapter in his life. But, as shown by how they kiss and flirt, it doesn’t seem his time away led to straying eyes or hands.
Then with the kids, from the daughter who is athletic like her dad and seemingly able to be social to her little brother who is the opposite? Never mind someone she picks on? It all feels real enough but also safe.
On The Fence
The Villain(s)
One of the main issues you may have when it comes to “Night Swim” is it doesn’t build up the lore or the would-be villain in a way that is compelling. Never mind, the beings that try to drag people, it isn’t clear why?
From what it appears, they aren’t the people who benefited from the water but victims, so why all but one appear evil is hard to say.
Good If You Like
- Horror movies that are good for a fix but aren’t trying to start a franchise
Recommendations
- Evil Dead Rise
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