‘Night Swim’: A Dive Into Suburban Horror and The Dark Depths of Ambition
In Hollywood horror, there’s a recurring theme: a collective grappling with anxiety about suburban life. The seemingly idyllic landscapes, adorned with charming houses, conceal an undercurrent of ghosts and terrors. Suburban existence, at its core, is peculiar, with neighbourhoods embodying atomized worlds and natural landscapes transformed into meticulously controlled assets.
A forest metamorphoses into manicured bushes and a serene lake gives way to the allure of a backyard pool.
Across American suburbs, pools proliferate, symbolizing affluence, comfort and seasonal fun. Glance out of any window during a flight, and you’ll witness the ubiquity of pools, embodying the epitome of enjoyment, especially during scorching months.
However, the allure of these aquatic havens is not devoid of peril. Hollywood has woven the narrative of suburban horror around pools, from the mischievous creatures in ‘Gremlins’ to the epitome of suburban unease in ‘Poltergeist.’
In the Waller family’s narrative in ‘Night Swim,’ the pool represents freedom, camaraderie and a fresh start. Ray Waller, a former baseball star battling multiple sclerosis, seeks solace and healing in the water. His wife, Eve, yearns for stability, aiming to provide a lasting home for their two children, the carefree Izzy, and the struggling Elliot. Together, they find an old house outside the Twin Cities, fall in love with it and embark on a journey to restore the neglected pool in the backyard.
Initially, the pool becomes their oasis, seemingly aiding Ray’s recovery. However, in the ominous landscape of horror, joy is always tinged with a lurking danger. The pleasure derived from the pool carries an edge, as the Waller family is about to discover. ‘Night Swim,’ Bryce McGuire’s feature debut, produced by horror maestros James Wan and Jason Blum, takes audiences on a thrilling ride based on McGuire’s 2014 short film.
The movie’s first half is a masterful portrayal of the effective use of horror, especially for those familiar with the unique experience of nighttime swimming. Jumps and scares abound, with a particularly terrifying scene involving Izzy and her crush.
However, the narrative takes a downward turn at some point. The potent concept of the deadly pool becomes overshadowed by additional elements that feel like excessive embellishments. The best horror concepts are often spare and uncluttered, tapping into a primal, gut-level anguish.
‘Night Swim’ falters by attempting to convey too much, diluting the potency of its core concept. While exploring the primal fear of water is where the film excels, it introduces various horror tropes such as the “Indian burial ground” and the theme of illness in a somewhat awkward manner.
The movie delves into the dark side of ambition, the true nature of sacrifice, family favouritism and even hints at the theme of hell. The culmination of these themes in the third act introduces a sense of goofiness that undercuts the emotional impact the film strives to achieve.
Despite these shortcomings, Bryce McGuire’s talent for horror is evident, leaving viewers intrigued about his future projects. As a winter horror release, ‘Night Swim’ serves its purpose, offering a chilling experience for those brave enough to venture to the theatres.
