Night Swim (2024): Plot, Cast & More
Prepare yourself for a chilling plunge into the supernatural depths of 'Night Swim,' a 2024 American horror film that weaves a haunting tale of family, sacrifice, and the mysterious powers lurking in an ordinary backyard pool. Written and directed by Bryce McGuire, marking his feature directorial debut, 'Night Swim' stars Wyatt Russell and Kerry Condon, captivating audiences with a narrative rooted in fear and driven by the unknown. Join us as we explore the gripping plot, delve into the talented cast, and uncover the film's journey from its proof-of-concept origins to its release and reception.
Plot: A Pool of Dreadful Secrets
The story unfolds in 1992, where a young girl faces a nightmarish encounter in her family's pool while attempting to retrieve a boat belonging to her terminally ill brother. Fast forward to the present day, the Waller family acquires a new residence with a seemingly innocent pool, unaware of the ominous history that comes with it. As Ray Waller's illness appears to go into remission with frequent pool therapy, his family starts experiencing inexplicable attacks and unsettling changes. A pool party takes a sinister turn when the realtor reveals the tragic drowning of the former residents' daughter, leading Eve Waller to discover a dark history of sacrifices for the pool's healing powers. The Wallers find themselves entangled in a malevolent force, and the film unfolds with a series of gripping events that force them to confront the sinister entity lurking beneath the water's surface.
Cast: A Stellar Ensemble
The film's success is amplified by a talented cast led by:
Wyatt Russell as Ray Waller: The patriarch whose illness becomes entwined with the supernatural forces in the pool.
Kerry Condon as Eve Waller: The concerned wife who unravels the mysteries surrounding the pool and fights to protect her family.
Amélie Hoeferle as Izzy Waller: Daughter to Ray and Eve, who becomes a target of the malevolent entity.
Gavin Warren as Elliot Waller: The son who, like his sister, faces the horrors lurking beneath the water's surface.
The supporting cast includes notable names such as Jodi Long, Eddie Martinez, Elijah J. Roberts, Rahnuma Panthaky, and more, contributing to the film's immersive and spine-chilling atmosphere.
Origins and Development: From Concept to Feature
The roots of 'Night Swim' trace back to 2014 when Bryce McGuire directed a low-budget short film with the same name. The success of the short film, shot in musician Michelle Branch's backyard, caught the attention of James Wan, who purchased the rights for a feature adaptation. The feature version entered pre-production in January 2023, with McGuire returning to direct and expand the plot's layers. Wyatt Russell and Kerry Condon were announced as leads, and the cast was further enriched with additions like Amélie Hoeferle and Gavin Warren.
Filming and Musical Ambiance
Principal photography commenced on April 11, 2023, in Altadena, California, and the Los Angeles region, spanning 34 intense days. Mark Korven, known for scoring Blumhouse's 'The Black Phone' (2021), composed the film's score. McGuire integrated pop songs from the 1980s into the soundtrack, enhancing the film's atmosphere and drawing connections to the characters' pasts.
Release and Reception: A Dive into the Box Office
'Night Swim' made its way to theaters on January 5, 2024, released by Universal Pictures. The film received a mixed reception from critics and audiences alike. As of January 11, 2024, it grossed $14.5 million in the United States and Canada, with an additional $6.3 million in other territories, totaling $20.8 million worldwide. The film's box office performance in its opening weekend surpassed projections, grossing $12 million and securing the second spot.
Critical Response: Navigating the Murky Waters
Critics on Rotten Tomatoes have varied opinions, with 24% of reviews being positive, emphasizing the film's eerie scenes but criticizing its overall predictability. Metacritic offers a score of 43 out of 100, indicating mixed or average reviews. While some critics found the film tepid and unscary, others appreciated its solid narrative and atmospheric elements. The audience response, as reflected in CinemaScore, showed a fair grade of 'C,' suggesting a divided opinion among viewers.
Despite differing critical perspectives, 'Night Swim' manages to make an impact on horror enthusiasts. It may not be universally praised, but its ability to deliver solid scares and maintain a sense of dread in the depths of its genre sets it apart in the early months of 2024.
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