Movie Review: Night Swim (2024)

Synopsis: Former Milwaukee Brewers third baseman Ray Waller is adjusting to life without baseball after his body begins to show signs of multiple sclerosis. When he is told water therapy may help slow the progression, he purchases a home for his family because it has a pool. The pool, they learn, is spring-fed and Ray soon discovers the water has healing properties that seem to be curing his disease. However, at the same time, a menacing force within the water seems to be trying to kill his kids.

Who's in it? The movie stars Wyatt Russell, Kerry Condon, Amélie Hoeferle, Gavin Warren and Jodi Long.

Review: I needed a bit of a break after mowing the lawn in nearly 90-degree weather yesterday and when we sat down for dinner, put on a movie. I had seen trailers for Night Swim and knew it was on Peacock, so my wife and I gave it a try.  After seeing it, my impression was just "meh."

The premise was somewhat intriguing. The water seemed to have a mix of good and bad and there was a decent mystery about what exactly was going on. At minimum, I'd say the movie was somewhat unique, which isn't as common as it used to be.

The main problem was the filmmakers weren't able to capitalize on that premise in a way that kept the movie from feeling bogged down. There was just too much downtime between the suspenseful scenes and even when there was some action, it just didn't have me on the edge of my seat.

The explanation about what was going on with the water also seemed a bit rushed. It wasn't even something that took a whole lot of work to find out, just a conversation with the previous owner. And of course, there was zero explanation given about why someone would build a swimming pool in that spot.

I think my biggest problem with the movie though had to be the ending. It was very predictable and ultimately left a lot of loose ends that I just don't think would fly in the non-movie world. Weak endings have a tendency to ruin good movies and this movie really didn't fit the "good movie" category in my book to begin with.

Final Opinion: I appreciated the somewhat unique plot. I just wish the filmmakers would have executed it a little better.

My Grade: C