Why 'Dark Water' Stole My Heart: A Psychological Thriller Review

My All-Time Fave Horror Movie: Where Motherly Love Turns Deadly

summarizeEditor's Summary

I'm still reeling from my latest discovery: 'Dark Water', a psychological thriller that's left me speechless. This under-the-radar gem has it all - a haunting atmosphere, exceptional sound design, and a narrative that'll keep you on the edge of your seat. As a mom, I found the film's exploration of maternal love and selflessness particularly thought-provoking. If you're in the mood for a film that'll challenge your emotions, 'Dark Water' is a must-watch. The film's slow burn pace builds tension and suspense over time, but the payoff is well worth the wait. With its Japanese setting and stunning cinematography, 'Dark Water' is a unique and captivating watch.

settingsSpecifications

Kalite9/10

VerdictMükemmel

Orjinalite9/10

GörselEfektler8/10

My All-Time Fave Horror Movie: Where Motherly Love Turns Deadly

Hello everyone, I'm so glad you're here!

I've been searching for a film that left me speechless for four years, and I finally found it in the recommendations on my social media feed - Dark Water. Given the rainy weather outside and my gloomy mood, I decided to give it a try... and discovered that it's the exact film I've been desperately trying to find for years.

Despite being categorized as a horror film, for me it's a psychological thriller and extremely relevant to me as a mother, because the leading theme in Dark Water is maternal love and selflessness.

The film is infused with an atmosphere of sadness, loneliness... and tender love that warms and supports even in the darkest times. In the specific story, it's the maternal and filial love, strong and... bitter. Dark Water will likely resonate with many viewers under a specific mood, but I developed an inexplicable affinity for it immediately, and the storyline is etched in my memory forever.

After the first and subsequent re-watch in 2020, I cried uncontrollably at the ending. The movie indeed leaves a very somber aftertaste...

The Plot Without Spoilers

I've been through a divorce and the one thing I'm really fighting for in the upcoming court case is to keep my only daughter, Cecilia, with me. I know firsthand what it's like to be a neglected child, left to fend for myself because my mom was more interested in her next drink than in taking care of me. The last thing I want is for my daughter to go through the same thing.

-My ex-husband claims I'm mentally unstable because my dad was abusive and my mom was an alcoholic who abandoned me.

When I'm waiting for court, Dalia moves with her daughter from a pricey apartment to a small flat in a grey old building: with peeling walls, terrible acoustics, a creepy elevator, and constant leaks... As a single young and beautiful mom, she's got to deal with a ton of issues and questions, and to top it all off, Celia starts claiming she has a friend - a girl her age that nobody else can see or hear except her...

Even the old cliche with the little girl doesn't feel like it's been forced into the story in this film, instead it feels really organic and develops the theme of the relationship between mother and child.

Jennifer Connelly shines as Dahlia, a beautiful and nurturing mother who will stop at nothing to protect her child. I've seen her in other movies, like A Few Good Men, and she always impresses me with her raw emotion and vulnerability. Watching her character, Dahlia, struggle to keep her daughter safe from the system is heart-wrenching and leaves you feeling emotional.

From a viewer's perspective, the Dark Water film felt similar to The Silence of the Lambs, but Dark Water still stands out because it's all about the mother's heart and the concentration of maternal feelings throughout the film. The theme of loneliness is also present, and it's a feeling that each character embodies in their own way, and each one is sad in their own way.

I still get choked up thinking about this movie, and even after the credits roll and the screen goes black, the emotions linger. As a mom now, I understand even more why I fell in love with this film 4 years ago, and if it's really a horror movie, then "Dark Water" is my only favorite horror film. I'm glad I found it again, even though I'd almost given up hope... I highly recommend watching it, and I'll be re-watching it again myself.

Worth noting from "Crow":

Mother is a name that's on the lips of every child.

Thanks for your time and for adding more horror movies to your collection! Take care of yourself and your kids!

More horror movie reviews:

The Rite (2011) - A Catholic's Review of a Thought-Provoking Horror MovieThe Black Phone (2021)The Girl Next Door (2007)The Amityville Horror (2005)Silent Night (2020)The Exorcism of Emily Rose (2005)Check out reviews of movies and cartoons here

live_helpFeatured FAQ

Is 'Dark Water' a horror film or a psychological thriller?

While 'Dark Water' does contain some horror elements, I'd classify it as a psychological thriller due to its focus on character development and emotional tension.

What makes 'Dark Water' so relatable for mothers?

For me, it's the film's exploration of maternal love and selflessness. As a mom, I found it fascinating to see how the protagonist's love for her daughter drives her to make sacrifices and take risks.

Is 'Dark Water' a slow burn or a fast-paced film?

I'd say 'Dark Water' is a slow burn film, with a pace that builds tension and suspense over time. However, the payoff is well worth the wait.

What's the significance of the film's Japanese setting?

The Japanese setting adds a unique cultural perspective to the film, and the cinematography is stunning. It's a great example of how a film's setting can enhance its themes and atmosphere.

Is 'Dark Water' suitable for younger viewers?

I'd recommend 'Dark Water' for viewers 16 and above due to its intense themes and emotional content.

What's the film's climax like?

The film's climax is intense and emotional, with a twist that'll keep you guessing. However, some viewers may find it a bit rushed or unsatisfying.

Is 'Dark Water' available on streaming platforms?

Yes, 'Dark Water' is available on various streaming platforms, including Amazon Prime and Netflix.

What's the film's runtime?

The film's runtime is approximately 1 hour and 30 minutes.

Can I watch 'Dark Water' with my family?

I'd recommend watching 'Dark Water' with older children or teenagers due to its intense themes and emotional content.

check_circlePros

•The film's atmosphere is expertly crafted, drawing you in with its eerie sound design and haunting visuals.
•The cast delivers standout performances, bringing depth and nuance to their characters.
•The storyline is engaging and unpredictable, keeping you guessing until the very end.
•The themes of maternal love and selflessness are deeply relatable and thought-provoking.
•The film's pacing is well-balanced, with a perfect mix of tension and release.
•The cinematography is stunning, capturing the beauty of the Japanese setting.
•The film's use of atmospheric tension is masterful, making you feel like you're right there with the characters.
•The themes of motherhood and sacrifice are handled with sensitivity and nuance.
•The film's climax is intense and emotional, with a twist that'll keep you guessing.

cancelCons

•Some viewers may find the film's slow burn pace a bit too slow.
•The film's themes may be too intense for younger viewers or those sensitive to emotional content.
•The ending is open to interpretation, which may leave some viewers feeling frustrated or unsatisfied.
•The film's reliance on atmospheric tension may make it feel a bit too predictable at times.
•Some viewers may find the film's exploration of maternal love and selflessness a bit too heavy-handed.
•The film's climax may feel a bit rushed, leaving some viewers feeling a bit unsatisfied.
•The film's Japanese setting may be a bit too culturally specific for some viewers.
•The film's themes of motherhood and sacrifice may be a bit too intense for some viewers.