Night Swim Review 

Night Swim is an American paranormal horror flick written and directed by debutante filmmaker Bryce McGuire in his feature film directorial debut. The film is screen adaptation which is a continuation from an original short film called “Room 237” by McGuire and Rod Blackhurst, which has Wyatt Russell and Kerry Condon in the lead characters. Produced by Blumhouse Productions and Atomic Monster, it symbolizes the first film released after the merger of the two companies.

The story starts in 1992 when a young girl named Rebecca drowns in her family’s pool while finding a toy boat. In the present day, the Waller family—Ray, Eve, and their children Izzy and Elliot—start to live in a new home with a pool, hoping it will help Ray’s illness. However, strange incidents begin happening, including Ray’s sudden remission and attacks on the kids. They find out the pool is linked to a supernatural entity, requiring sacrifices for its healing properties.

Eve learns from the previous owner that sacrificing someone to the pool’s entity healed her fatally ill brother. Realizing that Ray’s healing is tied to their children’s protection; Eve faces the entity controlling her husband. In a thrilling showdown, Ray sacrifices himself to save his family. The Wallers decide to remain in the house, filling in the pool to prevent further tragedies.

The film originated from a 2014 short-film directed by McGuire and Blackhurst, which gained popularity and paved the way for feature production. McGuire aimed to expand the story with emotional depth and paranormal elements motivated by classic horror films. Principal photography took place in California, employing practical effects for underwater scenes to enhance realism.

The movie’s soundtrack was composed by Mark Korven, who included unsettling noises that sounded like a drowning chorus. The soundtrack also features 1980s pop songs to evoke nostalgia and augment the film’s impression.

Upon release, “Night Swim” received mixed reviews from critics. While some praised its scaring scenes, others found the idea lacking for a feature-length film. Despite mixed critical reception, the film grossed $53 million worldwide, proving to be commercially successful.

Although some critics pointed out the movie’s inadequacies in maintaining suspense and correctly delivering horrors, others praised its strong handling of the horror genre.

Overall, “Night Swim” provided an entertaining horror experience for audiences, though it may not have reached the heights of its genre predecessors.

Cast for the Night Swim

1. Wyatt Russell as Ray Waller
2. Kerry Condon as Eve Waller
3. Amélie Hoeferle as Izzy Waller
4. Gavin Warren as Elliot Waller
5. Jodi Long as Lucy Summers
6. Nancy Lenehan as Kay
7. Eddie Martinez as Coach E
8. Elijah J. Roberts as Ronin (credited as Elijah Roberts)
9. Rahnuma Panthaky as Dr. Sridhar
10. Ben Sinclair as Pool Tech
11. Ellie Araiza as Angel
12. Ayazhan Dalabayeva as Rebecca
13. Joziah Lagonoy as Tommy
14. Aivan Uttapa as Ty (credited as Aivan Alexander Uttapa)
15. Liz Parkinson as Bony Woman
16. Mike Avery as Bloated Man (credited as Michael Avery)
17. Eleanor T. Threatt as Tommy’s Nurse
18. Bianca Diezmo as Teen Girl #1
19. Paige Van Conant as Teen Girl #2
20. Alton Williams as Big Dad’s Kid
21. Dave Reaves as Big Dad
22. Grey Walker as Chicken Playing Kid
23. Mark Healey as Chicken Playing Dad
24. Alex as Cider
25. Belle as Cider

Rest of the cast listed alphabetically:
– Maetrix Fitten as Police Officer (uncredited)
– Teddy Moutinho as Pool Party Guest (uncredited)
– Evan Shafran as Pool Party Guest (uncredited)