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Reviews
Underwater (2020)
Doesn't quite create a splash
It's difficult. As an Alien clone (you know, running down alleyways, is that a shadow or something actually scary with a few jump scares along the way) Underwater is a perfectly enjoyable tick the box bit of escapism. Yet...
Ok. Let's stick with Alien for a bit longer because it serves to highlight a couple of issues with Underwater perfectly. The writers of Alien knew that a build up gives time to develop the setting, understand your characters and ultimately create atmosphere. They also knew that if you show too much of the creature too early on then it begins to lose it mystery. And few things can be more terrifying than the blanks our minds fill in. Underwater just throws you in at the deep end (apologies) with only some brief news tidbits and character remarks to fill in the lore. And while the makers were initially hesitant to show what the protagonists are up against in Underwater, after they do, they then show the creatures at every available opportunity.
It has all the trappings of an excellent, claustrophobic psychological horror and with creatures you crave to know more about. Yet it just goes down the quick rollercoaster adrenaline ride. Which is fine. It's 90 minutes long so it doesn't overstay it's welcome and it does a serviceable job at getting the pulse raising. But certainly, it is an opportunity missed.
Nightwatch (1997)
Sporadically enjoyable thriller which can't live up to its premise
Student Ewan McGregor gets himself a part time job in a morgue, he presumes this will give him some quiet time as he studies for his degree. However, in this morgue the dead don't rest easy- it would appear that a serial killer who also indulges in necrophilia is making occasional visits. Could this just be paranoia on McGregor's part? It would appear not as he soon becomes chief suspect...
This promising premise is let down, in part, through the unsure direction of Ole Bornedal. The film begins in a vein not dissimilar to that of Se7en and seems to be setting up for a serial killer/thriller style. This soon changes to an approach more suited to teen slashers and then switches to a horror style before seeming to flick between them at will. This mix doesn't gel well at all and leaves the film feeling a little lost at times.
Josh Brolin who plays Ewan McGregor's friend in the film plays a character you feel like you have seen a hundred times before in teen slashers: plays by his own rules, pretty unlikeable but has his good side and you have your suspicions about him by the first scene. Ewan McGregor gets the paranoia spot on but is by and large quite forgettable, the same could be aimed at Patricia Arquette.
For its faults, there is still enough on offer to merit a watch. The scenes which take a more horror style approach work very well in the morgue and do give quite a tense atmosphere at times. Also, Nick Nolte turns in an eye-catching and enjoyable performance despite playing a role which you feel he could do in his sleep (he's playing a gruff detective). And Brad Dourif is perfectly cast as the creepy duty doctor, his knowing performance raises a smile.
The film has enough to keep you watching to its conclusion but will leave you disappointed at not being able to fully deliver on what could've been a very affecting thriller.