Deep Water - What We Know So Far
Another story from the bibliography of author Patricia Highsmith — the writer behind the source material for films such as "The Talented Mr. Ripley," "Carol," and Alfred Hitchcock's "Strangers on a Train" — is making its way to the big screen.
Back in August of 2019, Deadline reported that Highsmith's novel, "Deep Water," was set to be adapted into a feature film directed by Adrian Lyne and adapted by Zack Helm and Sam Levinson. Lyne's notable films as a director include 1987's "Fatal Attraction," 1993's "Indecent Proposal" and 1997's "Lolita." Meanwhile, Helm has written films such as 2007's "Mr. Magorium's Wonder Emporium," while Levinson is best known for creating the HBO drama "Euphoria," as well as writing and directing last year's "Malcolm & Marie."
According to Deadline, Lyne has had his sights set on directing "Deep Water" for quite some time now — as far back as 2013. Now, the project is finally coming to fruition. Here's what we know so far.
When will Deep Water be released?
"Deep Water" is set to be released on Friday, January 14, 2022, according to its IMDb listing. With a 2022 release date, the premiere "Deep Water" will mark a full two decades since director Adrian Lyne's last project, with was the 2002 erotic thriller "Unfaithful," starring Richard Gere and Diane Lane. As it's also in the realm of erotic thrillers, "Deep Water" is a fitting return for the veteran director.
The film's release date has gone through a few changes before settling on its early 2022 date. According to InStyle, "Deep Water" was initially meant to have a 2020 release date, but, like countless other film television productions, was delayed due to COVID-19. At the time of InStyle's report, the film's release date was listed as August 13, 2021. While that August date may seem more appealing to eager moviegoers, the new 2022 date seems to now be set in stone. According to W Magazine, the release date got its final pushback around March of this year.
All that is to say that when January 2022 rolls around, cinephiles will have waited a while for "Deep Water."
Who will be in Deep Water?
"Deep Water" will star Ben Affleck and Ana de Armas in co-leading roles as married couple Vic and Melinda Van Allen. Both actors have been attached to the project since early development, with their involvement being reported by Deadline in their initial announcement of the film in 2019.
In November of 2019, a slew of other cast members was announced, rounding out the supporting cast. These stars include veteran actor and Pulitzer Prize-winning writer Tracy Letts, Rachel Blanchard ("You Me Her"), and "Get Out" scene-stealer Lil Rel Howery. Other familiar faces include Jacob Elordi of "Euphoria" and "The Kissing Booth," as well as Finn Wittrock, who has appeared in films such as "La La Land" and "If Beale Street Could Talk" and multiple seasons of "American Horror Story."
The supporting cast is rounded out by Dash Mihok, Kristen Connolly, Jade Fernandez, Michael Braun, and Michael Scialabba.
What will Deep Water be about?
"Deep Water" centers on married couple Vic and Melinda, who have grown unhappy in their marriage over the years. In order to avoid a divorce, Vic allows Melinda to have affairs with whomever she wants, whenever she wants — as long as she does not leave him. But their arrangement becomes messy and possibly dangerous when those around them begin showing up dead. And when one of Melinda's lovers goes missing, Vic finds himself becoming a prime suspect.
Highsmith's novel, according to Goodreads, explores the complexities of marriage, the dangers of psychosis, and "the chilling reality behind the idyllic facade of American suburban life." And because it's set in the small town called Little Wesley, the crimes and murders are only heightened in intensity and attention. Not much information has been given about the plot of the adaptation, but it's likely we can expect it to explore many of the same themes that show up in the Highsmith novel.
All in all, "Deep Water" is set to be a thrilling ride.