Dark Water - A Movie Review

I don’t know if we should move into this apartment. I hear voices.

Dark Water is a 2005 remake of the Japanese film of the same name. After going through a divorce, Dahlia moves into a rundown apartment building with her young daughter. It’s not long until they learn about the haunting tales that have happened.

I have watched Dark Water a total of four times. I can easily say that the film gets better on each watch. There are many well-crafted subtle details. Dark Water is an underrated horror film. Everything from the acting, terrific sound effects, and bleak atmosphere, Dark Water meets the definition of horror.

Jennifer Connelly was tremendous as a struggling woman who does everything in her power to keep things in order. Dahlia has never had it easy. Connelly was superb acting out moments of pain, despair, and terror. I wanted to give Dahlia a hug in moments where she felt helpless. Dahlia teaches viewers that no matter the circumstance, we are always brave.

I was very impressed with eight-year-old, Ariel Gade. She did a wonderful job as Ceci. Because of the genre of the film, Gade went above and beyond. Her reactions, depiction of her character, and deliveries made a genuine performance. She was never afraid to stand up for herself.

The relationship between Dahlia and Ceci is essential. It is the core of the film. Connelly and Gade shared many sweet moments together. Not only that but scenes where they argued were directed very well.

One of the best parts about rewatching movies is that you discover nuances that you never noticed before. John C. Reilly is one of my favorite character actors. Watch his performance very closely. Murray even fools you. Appearing cheerful and fun, his expressions and behavior however succeed at telling how uninterested he is.

Character direction is spot-on in Dark Water. Performances by Tim Roth, Dougray Scott, Pete Postlethwaite, Camryn Manheim, and Perla Haney-Jardine deserve all the recognition they can get. The cast inhabits their roles no matter how small their part is.

Everyone makes a big impact. People in the building, Dahlia’s friend who she speaks to on the phone, and Ceci’s teacher. Look closely and you’ll see one actress performing two parts in a crafty casting decision.

Speaking of characters, water is one of them. Filmmakers made the film is dismal as they could. From rain, the terrible leak in the ceiling, and puddles, water makes itself known. For the setting, the filmmakers did not hide the fact that this is a despicable environment. It is always raining, cloudy, and it is a crowded city.

I actually felt like I was living in this wretched apartment. Everything from the cracks on the walls, unlocked doors, and floods I felt like I could smell the mold permeating the walls.

Everything feels genuine in Dark Water. Genuine to the point that it is eerie. Is this really happening? I remember feeling goosebumps during the climax of the film. Not to mention it incorporates the creepiest rendition of ‘The Itsy Bitsy Spider’ that I have ever heard. Once you find out what has actually happened inside this apartment I’m sure you won’t be turning the faucet on.

The sound editing is phenomenal in Dark Water. Migraines are never fun. Sound designers created noises to make you feel the pain. Walter Salles mastered subtly in his direction. Editing created the dark atmosphere looming in every shot of the film.

I warn you, Dark Water is creepy. I still recommend that you see it. It is an underrated film that deserves more recognition.