Table of Contents
Overview
“Night Swim” is a supernatural thriller that unfolds the chilling tale of the Waller family’s encounter with dark forces lurking within their new home’s pool. Set against the backdrop of a decades-old mystery surrounding the disappearance of Rebecca Summers, the narrative intertwines past and present as the Wallers grapple with unsettling occurrences and unsettling transformations. Ray’s illness and subsequent recovery, linked to the tragic fate of the Summers family, drive the family into a harrowing confrontation with the malevolent entity controlling their lives.
Themes of familial sacrifice, redemption, and resilience permeate the storyline as the Wallers confront the consequences of past actions and stand united against the encroaching darkness. Supernatural elements, such as Rebecca’s spirit and the malevolent entity within the pool, add an eerie dimension to the narrative, emphasizing the family’s journey towards healing and renewal amidst adversity.
Despite its promising start and chilling moments, the film received mixed critical reception, with some praising its atmosphere and thematic depth while others found its premise lacking. Ultimately, “Night Swim” delivers a compelling exploration of love, sacrifice, and courage in the face of unimaginable horror, culminating in a message of hope and renewal for the resilient Waller family.
Plot of the Movie
In 1992, Rebecca Summers vanished in her family’s pool, leaving behind a mystery that haunted the property for decades. Fast forward to the present day, the Waller family, seeking solace for Ray’s illness, moves into the same house. The discovery of the pool’s unique origins sets off a chain of events, with Ray’s health improving but accompanied by unsettling changes. As their children Izzy and Elliot encounter eerie occurrences and their cat disappears, revelations of the Summers family tragedy add to the chilling atmosphere.
Despite the allure of their new home’s tranquil pool, the Wallers soon find themselves ensnared in a web of eerie occurrences and unsettling transformations. Ray’s health improves, but his condition takes on a disturbing edge, mirroring the fate of Rebecca Summers years before. Meanwhile, Izzy and Elliot are drawn into terrifying encounters within the pool’s depths, and the disappearance of their family cat deepens the sense of unease. Amidst it all, Kay, their real estate agent, reveals the dark history of the property, intertwining past and present in a chilling narrative.
As the Wallers grapple with the sinister forces lurking within their pool, the truth of Rebecca Summers’ fate emerges, casting a haunting shadow over their idyllic new home. Ray’s recovery seems intertwined with the tragedy of the Summers family, leading to unsettling transformations that unsettle Eve and terrify their children. With Kay’s revelations adding to their distress and the disappearance of their beloved pet, the Wallers confront the chilling reality that the serene depths of their pool conceal dark secrets from the past.
Eve’s quest for truth leads her to Lucy, Rebecca’s grieving mother, who reveals the sinister origins of the pool—a pact forged in desperation, demanding sacrifices to sustain its malevolent power. Eve recoils in horror as she realizes Ray’s recovery came from a blood bargain. United against the darkness, the Waller family faces a climactic showdown. Izzy and Elliot confront the abyss, guided by Rebecca’s spirit, while Ray sacrifices himself to shield his loved ones.
The weight of Lucy’s confession fills Eve with dread as she rushes back to confront the horror unfolding at home. Ray, under the entity’s control, threatens Elliot while Izzy bravely stands ready to fight. Eve fights desperately to protect her children, her cries echoing against the oppressive night.
Despite the chilling truth and imminent danger, Eve remains determined to save her family. With Lucy’s revelation and the terrifying scene at home, Eve confronts the darkness head-on, rallying her family against the sinister forces lurking within their home.
Izzy’s determination breaks the entity’s hold with Eve’s resolve and Rebecca’s guidance, freeing the family from the pool’s depths. Yet, with Ray’s sacrifice, they realize the looming threat persists. United, they vow to confront the darkness together, deciding to fill the pool to prevent further harm and ensuring their sanctuary remains safe from the entity’s reach.
As they bury the pool and confront their ordeal’s aftermath, the Waller family’s bond grows stronger. Despite lingering scars, they find solace in their unity and the closure brought by their actions. With hope and healing on the horizon, they embrace the future, strengthened by their resilience in the face of unfathomable darkness.
Reasons to Watch It
“Night Swim” is a captivating supernatural thriller that unravels the mystery surrounding a family’s new home and the sinister entity lurking within its pool. With strong performances, suspenseful atmosphere, and themes of resilience and sacrifice, it delivers a thought-provoking and ultimately uplifting tale of courage in the face of darkness.
Compelling Mystery – The story presents a gripping mystery surrounding the history of the Waller family’s new home and the sinister forces lurking within its depths. Viewers will be drawn in by the enigmatic secrets waiting to be uncovered. Emotional Depth – “Night Swim” delves into themes of family, sacrifice, and redemption, offering viewers a poignant exploration of the lengths one will go to protect those they love.
Suspenseful Atmosphere – The film creates a palpable sense of tension and unease, keeping viewers on the edge of their seats as the Waller family confronts the malevolent entity haunting their home. Strong Performances – The cast delivers powerful performances, bringing depth and authenticity to their characters’ struggles and triumphs. Audiences will be captivated by their emotional journey.
Visual Splendor – From the tranquil waters of the pool to the eerie shadows cast by the lurking darkness, “Night Swim” offers stunning visuals that enhance the storytelling experience. Themes of Resilience and Hope – Despite facing overwhelming odds, the Waller family’s resilience and unwavering hope shine through, inspiring viewers to confront their own challenges with courage and determination.
Thought-Provoking Storytelling – The film raises thought-provoking questions about the nature of sacrifice, the consequences of our actions, and the power of love to overcome even the darkest of forces. Supernatural Elements – For fans of supernatural thrillers, “Night Swim” delivers an intriguing blend of supernatural elements and psychological horror that will keep audiences guessing until the very end.
Family Dynamics – The dynamics between the members of the Waller family add depth and complexity to the story, exploring themes of love, loyalty, and the bonds that hold families together in the face of adversity. Ultimately Uplifting – While “Night Swim” delves into dark and unsettling territory, it ultimately leaves viewers with a sense of hope and renewal, reminding us that even in our darkest moments, there is light to be found.
“Night Swim” weaves a captivating tale of mystery, sacrifice, and resilience, drawing viewers into a world where the supernatural meets the courage of the human spirit. With its compelling storytelling and uplifting message, it leaves audiences both satisfied and inspired by the triumph of light over darkness.
Reasons to Avoid It
“Night Swim” may be best avoided by those sensitive to intense themes, graphic content, emotional impact, jump scares, and unsettling atmospheres present in supernatural thrillers.
Intense Themes – The film delves into dark and unsettling territory, including the loss of a child and the sinister forces at play. For viewers sensitive to themes of loss and supernatural horror, this may be distressing. Graphic Content – Some scenes may contain intense and graphic imagery, particularly those depicting the malevolent entity and its actions. Individuals who are easily disturbed by visual or psychological horror may find these scenes difficult to watch. Emotional Impact – The story’s focus on family tragedy and sacrifice can evoke strong emotional reactions. Those who prefer lighter or more uplifting content may find the film too emotionally taxing.
Jump Scares – As a supernatural thriller, “Night Swim” likely includes moments of suspense and jump scares to heighten tension. Viewers who are particularly sensitive to sudden frights may want to steer clear. Unsettling Atmosphere – The film’s suspenseful atmosphere and eerie visuals may create a sense of unease that persists even after the credits roll. Individuals who prefer lighter or more straightforward storytelling may find this unsettling.
In summary, “Night Swim” delves into intense themes, graphic content, and emotional impact typical of supernatural thrillers, potentially making it unsuitable for viewers sensitive to such elements. Its inclusion of jump scares and unsettling atmosphere further contribute to a viewing experience that may be best avoided by those seeking lighter or less disturbing entertainment.
Critical Response
On Rotten Tomatoes, “Night Swim” received only 22% positive reviews from 162 critics, with an average rating of 4.3 out of 10. Critics noted that while the film had a promising start and some chilling moments, its overall premise didn’t seem robust enough for a full-length feature. Metacritic gave the movie a score of 43 out of 100, indicating mixed or average reviews based on 32 critics’ assessments. Audience reception, according to CinemaScore, was lackluster, with the film earning a “C” grade on a scale from A+ to F. PostTrak data showed that while 45% of viewers enjoyed it to some extent, only 26% said they would definitely recommend it to others.
| Aspect | Rotten Tomatoes | Metacritic | CinemaScore | PostTrak |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Critics’ Rating | 22% (4.3/10) | 43/100 | N/A | N/A |
| Audience Reception | N/A | N/A | C | 45% liked |
| Recommendation | N/A | N/A | N/A | 26% |
Critics like Owen Gleiberman of Variety expressed disappointment with “Night Swim,” criticizing its inability to fully immerse viewers in its terror. Gleiberman suggested that the film, released in January, was as underwhelming as expected for that time of year. Similarly, Frank Scheck of The Hollywood Reporter dismissed the film as shallow and silly despite its attempts at suspense. Peter Howell from the Toronto Star rated it a two out of four, asserting that the original short story was superior and that the film suffered from unnecessary length.
Matthew Monagle, reviewing for The Austin Chronicle, gave “Night Swim” a three out of five rating, acknowledging its solid quality within the horror genre. Monagle hinted at the depth of darkness often found in horror, suggesting that even solid offerings are valuable. Alissa Wilkinson from The New York Times provided a positive assessment, noting that while the film’s third act leaned towards goofiness, it still effectively served its purpose as a winter horror release. Wilkinson emphasized the film’s ability to entertain and scare audiences during the traditional horror movie season. Chris Vogner of Rolling Stone also praised the film, describing it as an oddly captivating horror movie centered around a swimming pool.
| Critic | Outlet | Rating/Review |
|---|---|---|
| Owen Gleiberman | Variety | Criticized lack of immersion and compared unfavorably to other films |
| Frank Scheck | The Hollywood Reporter | Called the film shallow and silly despite attempts at suspense |
| Peter Howell | Toronto Star | Rated the film 2/4, stating it suffered from unnecessary length |
| Matthew Monagle | The Austin Chronicle | Gave the film 3/5, considering it a solid entry in the horror genre |
| Alissa Wilkinson | The New York Times | Mixed review, noted positive aspects but criticized third act’s goofiness |
| Chris Vogner | Rolling Stone | Gave a positive review, describing it as a strangely captivating horror tale |
Key Themes
The movie delves into themes of familial sacrifice, dark secrets, and redemption as the Waller family confronts the malevolent forces lurking within their new home’s pool, ultimately finding courage and resilience amidst adversity, leading to a journey of healing and renewal. Supernatural elements intertwine with themes of love and hope as the family grapples with the consequences of past actions and stands united against the darkness threatening to consume them.
Family Bonds and Sacrifice – The central theme revolves around the Waller family’s unwavering love and sacrifice for each other. Ray’s ultimate sacrifice to protect his family highlights the lengths to which they will go to ensure each other’s safety and well-being. Dark Secrets and Betrayal – The revelation of the sinister history behind the house’s pool unveils a web of dark secrets and betrayal, as well as the consequences of past actions that continue to haunt the present.
Healing and Redemption – Despite the darkness that surrounds them, the Waller family finds moments of healing and redemption amidst their struggles. Their journey toward healing, both physically and emotionally, serves as a central narrative arc throughout the story. Courage and Resilience – In the face of adversity, each member of the family demonstrates courage and resilience as they confront the malevolent forces threatening to tear them apart. Their determination to stand together against the darkness highlights the strength of the human spirit.
Supernatural Elements and Redemption – The presence of supernatural elements, such as Rebecca’s spirit guiding the family and the malevolent entity lurking within the pool, adds an eerie dimension to the story. Redemption becomes a central theme as the family grapples with the consequences of past actions and strives to overcome the darkness within and around them. Hope and Renewal – Despite the challenges they face, the Waller family ultimately finds hope and renewal as they emerge from their ordeal. The closure they experience at the end of the film symbolizes a new beginning filled with hope and the promise of a brighter future.
In the conclusion, the Waller family’s journey through sacrifice, redemption, and unity against darkness culminates in a newfound sense of hope and renewal, symbolizing their triumph over adversity and the beginning of a brighter chapter in their lives. As they confront the consequences of past actions and embrace their bond as a family, they emerge stronger, resilient, and ready to face whatever challenges lie ahead.
Memorable Moments
Memorable moments in the movie include Rebecca’s disappearance setting a haunting tone, Ray’s transformation unveiling the pool’s sinister influence, the revelation of the pool’s dark history, a climactic showdown with the malevolent entity, Ray’s ultimate sacrifice, and the symbolic act of filling in the pool representing triumph over darkness and a hopeful future.
Rebecca’s Disappearance – The opening scene sets a haunting tone as young Rebecca Summers vanishes into the depths of the pool, laying the initial groundwork for the mystery that unfolds. Ray’s Transformation – Ray’s gradual resurgence to health, accompanied by unsettling transformations, creates tension and unease, highlighting the sinister nature of the pool’s influence.
Revelations Unveiled – Kay’s exposition about the Summers family tragedy and the pool’s origins adds layers of intrigue and sets the stage for the family’s confrontation with the dark history of their home. Confrontation with the Entity – The climactic showdown between the Waller family and the malevolent entity, with Izzy’s defiance and Eve’s desperate fight to protect her children, provides intense, heart-pounding moments of suspense and action.
Ray’s Sacrifice – Ray’s ultimate act of sacrifice to safeguard his family from the darkness lurking within the pool resonates as a powerful moment of redemption and selflessness. Filling the Pool – The symbolic act of filling in the pool represents the family’s triumph over the malevolent forces and their commitment to protecting others from suffering the same fate, concluding the story with a sense of closure and hope for the future.
In the conclusion, the culmination of Rebecca’s disappearance, Ray’s sacrifice, and the symbolic act of filling in the pool epitomize the Waller family’s journey from darkness to redemption, leaving viewers with a sense of closure and hope for the future as they emerge stronger from their harrowing ordeal. These moments serve as a testament to the resilience of the human spirit and the power of love and sacrifice in overcoming seemingly insurmountable challenges.
Streaming Platforms
The anticipated film “Night Swim” has yet to debut on Video on Demand (VOD) platforms and streaming services, with its release date still undisclosed.
