Dark Water

I've haven't been much of a fan of the recent wave of popular Asian horror films, and haven't really paid much attention to the Hollywood remakes either. That is until Jennifer Connelly compelled me to take a dip into Dark Water.

Connelly stars as Dahlia, who's in a custody battle with her estranged husband (Dougray Scott) for their daughter Cecilia (Ariel Gade). Mother and daughter settle for a new run-down apartment, and experience strange leaks from the unit above. However, nobody occupies that unit, and soon Dahlia is drawn into the mysterious disappearance of its occupants.

At times, this movie plays like the recent Robert DeNiro-Dakota Fanning movie Hide and Seek, with little subplots like imaginary friends, and the parent having some psychological problems. However, these subplots are never fully explored, leading to an ending which somehow leaves you with this empty feeling that more could and should have been touched on. Obviously, there are red-herrings thrown in, but there is absolutely no scary moment in which you'll jump right off your seat.

This film though, is all about Mother's Love, and the longing for it. Many scenes in the movie make you go awww, drawing into your own experience of your mummy's concern for your welfare. The things that a mother would do to protect her child and keep her safe from harm, are always admirable.

There are notable actors in this movie - John C Reilly, Tim Roth, Dougray Scott, Pete Postlethwaite, but they are relatively under-utilized, which is a pity. There is also a lack of a strong soundtrack to punctuate the right atmosphere in a horror movie.

Since I haven't watched the original, I couldn't compare it for you. However, as a horror film, Dark Water didn't cut it, as it seemed more like a thriller/whodunnit/mystery with some mild supernatural elements thrown in. Maybe it's just me, but perhaps Hollywood still doesn't have a knack in transplanting or capturing horrific elements from the original.