Film Review: Night Swim

Genre: Horror/thriller

Cert: 15 cert

Director: Bryce McGuire

Screenwriter: (screenplay) Bryce McGuire, (screen story) Bryce McGuire, Rod Blackhurst.

Starring: Wyatt Russell, Kerry Condon, Amélie Hoeferle, Gavin Warren, Jodi Long, Nancy Lenehan, Eddie Martinez, Elijah J. Roberts, Rahnuma Panthaky, Ben Sinclair. 

Running time: 1h 38m

Parents are advised to read before viewing the film as some scenes may contain scenes unsuitable for younger viewers.

Sex & Nudity: A lot of young females are featured scantily clad in skimpy revealing bikinis.

A few brief and mild kisses.

A man is shown in the shower. No nudity.

Violence & Gore: A man coughs up blood in one scene.

A man puts his hand in a pool drain and his hand is cut. Some blood.

A cat is killed offscreen.

A pool drainer gets clogged and lots of blood comes out.

A girl slips and falls on broken glass. Some blood drips from her hand.

A man is hit with a wooden bat.

A very disturbing scene when a lady bleeds from her eyes and mouth. A lot of blood is

Profanity: Pretty infrequent profanity. 8 uses of 'shit' 1 use of 'damn' 1 use of 'hell'. 3 uses of pussy.

Alcohol/drugs: A reference to steroids and thats about it.

A lady said that the jello cake was not for the kids.

A man appears to be drunk at the pool then it's revealed that he almost drowned.

Frightening/Intense Scenes: There are pretty intense scenes toward the end of the film.

 Story: Forced into early retirement by a degenerative illness, former baseball player Ray Waller moves into a new house with his wife and two children. He hopes that the backyard swimming pool will be fun for the kids and provide physical therapy for himself. However, a dark secret from the home's past soon unleashes a malevolent force that drags the family into the depths of inescapable terror.

Review:  Night Swim": A Claustrophobic Plunge into Poolside Terror. Directed by Bryce McGuire, "Night Swim" offers a chilling twist on the horror genre by setting its tale of terror within the confined space of a swimming pool. Despite its limitations, McGuire's direction manages to create an atmosphere of claustrophobic dread that keeps viewers on the edge of their seats.

One of the film's strongest aspects is its creative use of setting. McGuire skillfully exploits the intimacy of the swimming pool environment, transforming it from a place of leisure into a sinister and oppressive space. Through inventive camerawork and lighting, he imbues every ripple in the water and shadowy corner with a sense of impending doom, heightening the tension and keeping audiences gripped from start to finish.

The cast delivers solid performances, with the protagonist portrayed as a relatable and sympathetic character thrust into a nightmare scenario. Her struggle for survival in the face of unseen horrors is portrayed with authenticity, drawing viewers into her desperate plight. Supporting characters, while limited in development, serve their roles effectively in adding layers to the narrative and amplifying the sense of isolation and vulnerability.

Furthermore, "Night Swim" effectively explores themes of fear, paranoia, and the fragility of sanity within the confines of the swimming pool setting. McGuire's direction delves into the psychological depths of the characters, revealing their innermost fears and insecurities as they confront the terror lurking beneath the surface. It's a gripping and thought-provoking journey that lingers in the mind long after the credits roll.

However, the film is not without its drawbacks. Some viewers may find the premise of a horror film set entirely within a swimming pool to be limiting, leading to a lack of variety in the scares and a feeling of repetition in the suspense. Additionally, the pacing may feel sluggish at times, with certain moments dragging on without delivering significant plot advancement or character development.

Overall: Despite these criticisms, "Night Swim" remains a compelling and atmospheric horror film that showcases McGuire's talent as a director. With its inventive use of setting, solid performances, and exploration of psychological terror, the film offers a unique and chilling viewing experience that will leave audiences checking the shadows of their own swimming pools long after the lights have gone out.

Rating: 4 out of 5 for entertainment / 6.7 out of 10 for horror.