Review of Dark Water (2002) by Johnny T — 25 Mar 2011

I didn't like the original so was surprised by getting sucked into the whirlpool of the remake. The difference? Some really fine acting here. Jennifer Connelly is terrific in a Naomi Watts-like role as a recently divorced mother trying to hold on to her sanity. Tim Roth is also great, delivering an offbeat performance as Connelly's lawyer, and Ariel Gade as her daughter is exceptional. If she is annoying or unbelievable in the part, then the movie sinks right then & there.

So where does it go wrong? Well, the source material was no great shakes. Director Walter Salles has an impressive resume but he doesn't seem to have a firm grasp on pacing and setup for a chiller, incorporating too many pointless BOO moments as if he didn't believe the proceedings were scary enough. And while the run time extends beyond the original, somehow it feels rushed in terms of story, with potentially intriguing side plots falling by the wayside.

The final answer? On the whole, notably better than the original. Certainly worth a look for Connelly fans in the mood for a murky, soggy, and slightly creepy experience.