The Weight of Water
The Weight of Water

The Weight of Water

2001Movie113 minEnglish

A newspaper photographer researches an 1873 double homicide and finds her own life paralleling that of a witness who survived the tragic ordeal.

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Insights

IMDb6.1/10
Rotten Tomatoes54%
Metacritic53/100
Google Users64%
Director: Kathryn BigelowGenres: Drama, Mystery, Thriller

Plot Summary

A grieving photographer, haunted by the loss of his children, travels to a remote Scandinavian island with his wife and their young daughter to research a local legend. As he delves into the mysterious past of a 19th-century woman accused of murder, he becomes increasingly obsessed, blurring the lines between past and present, reality and delusion. The isolation and the unfolding historical tragedy begin to take a dangerous toll on his family and his own sanity.

Critical Reception

The Weight of Water received mixed to positive reviews, with many critics praising Kathryn Bigelow's atmospheric direction and the strong performances from its lead actors, particularly Michelle Pfeiffer. However, some found the narrative convoluted and the pacing uneven, leading to a polarized reception.

What Reviewers Say

  • Praised for its moody atmosphere and directorial style.
  • Recognized for compelling performances, especially from Michelle Pfeiffer.
  • Criticized by some for a convoluted plot and slow pacing.

Google audience: Audience reviews suggest appreciation for the film's dark and mysterious tone, as well as the acting. Some viewers found the story intriguing and visually striking, while others felt it was too slow and confusing at times.

Fun Fact

The film is based on the novel of the same name by Anita Shreve.

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My Review

TMDB Reviews

1 reviews
Gimly

Gimly

Either one of the two stories might have been engaging on their own, if they hadn't shown their hand from the very start. A disappointment to know this comes from Kathryn Bigelow. _Final rating:★★ - Had some things that appeal to me, but...