A family moves into a new house with a haunted swimming pool in “Night Swim,” the latest Blumhouse production. This film takes us back to the classic days of eerie horror movies, perfectly fitting the early January slot.
The Aquatyville Horror
“Night Swim” follows the classic trope of a family dealing with supernatural occurrences in their new home. The haunted pool is filled with greenish-brown sludge and toys that mysteriously move on their own. Ominous figures appear by the poolside, only to vanish in an instant. The whole setup feels like a homage to the “Amityville Horror” films.
Not So Immersive
While the idea of a swimming pool from hell sounds promising, “Night Swim” fails to deliver on the terror. The movie aimed to create a heightened atmosphere, resembling a college pool party, but instead, it falls into the category of a mild, PG-13 family horror film. Despite the director’s attempts to draw inspiration from thrillers like “Ringu,” the shocks in “Night Swim” feel watered down.
The Waller Family
The film focuses on the Waller family, who have recently moved to a peaceful neighborhood in the Twin Cities. Ray Waller, played by Wyatt Russell, is a professional baseball player battling multiple sclerosis (MS). As his condition worsens, Ray’s doctor suggests water therapy, leading to unexpected results. Ray’s strength miraculously returns, but there’s a catch: the pool demands sacrifice in return.
A Lack of Psychological Tension
Given the potential for psychological tension within the Waller family, “Night Swim” instead opts for a convoluted and cheesy approach. The film introduces a ghost named Rebecca, whose presence dates back to 1992. However, the scenes lack the necessary anxiety and fail to deliver genuine scares. The movie relies on arbitrary plot twists to keep the audience engaged, rather than building a truly immersive experience.
The Fear Factor Falls Short
Unlike films such as James Wan’s “Conjuring” series or the visionary “Skinamarink,” “Night Swim” lacks the suspense and sinister energy that make for a truly terrifying experience. The scares feel telegraphed and derivative, leaving the fear factor all wet.
In the end, “Night Swim” is a forgettable addition to the horror genre. While it attempts to capture the spirit of classic haunted house films, it falls short in delivering a truly immersive and spine-chilling experience.
Read more about “Night Swim” on Pet Lovers Diary.