What Lies Beneath - A Movie Review

Something peculiar is going on here. Why is the door open when I left it closed?

What Lies Beneath hit theaters in 2000. Claire believes that her home is haunted. And the neighbors are acting strange. Trying to get her husband to believe her, the occurring situations may all be in her mind.

What Lies Beneath includes one of the most suspenseful scenes that I have ever seen. I watched this film a long time ago and upon rewatch, I forgot a lot about it. The film proves to be a psychological thriller. What Lies Beneath is a suspenseful ride into a woman’s tormented mind trying to figure out clues.

Michelle Pfeiffer and Harrison Ford are terrific as a married couple who have had a history. They did a great job with the dynamic uncovering pieces of their relationship that are strained. Instead of spewing unneeded exposition, audiences are left to find out what characters are referring to when bringing up ‘the incident’.

Claire has been through a horrible accident that may have affected her mind. Pfieffer did an excellent job conveying how trapped Claire feels in the shadow of her husband. Claire is put to the ultimate test. Her fighting nature is her best quality. Never give in when all hope is deemed lost.

Ford’s character’s motivation was hard to understand. Norman’s erratic behavior felt out of nowhere. Though the entire backstory is revealed later in the film, it raises questions on his true relationship with his wife. Aside from that, the film was a chance for Ford to exhibit a different range that contrasts with his heroic roles.

Other credits to include are Miranda Otto, James Remar, Katherine Towne, Victoria Bidewell, Diana Scarwld, Wendy Crewson, and Amber Valletta.

Katherine Towne’s role as Claire and Norman’s daughter, Caitlin felt like an unnecessary role. She is only present at the beginning. Then she is never mentioned again. With everything that happens, I am surprised that Claire never arrives back into the story.

To me, What Lies Beneath felt like it was originally intending to be a horror film. But then it becomes a film about a woman losing her mind until evolving into a story about a hidden murder case. It takes an Alfred Hitchcock approach at one point. One storyline isn’t even cleared up. They keep each little story isolated.

The confusing story aside, I like the nature of how the film is set up. Is Claire losing her mind? Or are there ghosts? Pay very close attention to all the events.

The first time I watched this film I was on the edge of my seat, even half covering my face with a blanket because it was so suspenseful. The eerie slow-moving camera pans along with dead silence mixed with an eerie melody was a great result.

Get ready for one of the most intense suspense scenes ever. Everything from Pfeiffer’s incredible acting, the camera angles, and sound effects it created the best suspenseful mood. Once you witness this nailbiting signature scene you’ll fear water all the more.

Robert Zemeckis nailed the suspense. I feel like he paid too much attention to trying to scare his audience rather than making a comprehensive story. There are times when the film is drawn out, including unnecessary scenes. Zemeckis should have decided what approach he was going to take for the film instead of distributing a film with one too many plots.

What Lies Beneath is a well-acted film that you have to see. The suspense keeps you on the edge of your seat. Give it a watch and see if you ever go near your bathtub again.