‘Deep Water,’ a psychological mystery thriller on Hulu, analyses a husband and wife’s relationship and the consequences of an unspoken understanding between them. Vic Van Allen enables his wife Melinda to have extramarital encounters in order to keep their marriage together.
However, as Vic’s jealousy grows, the dynamic gets increasingly complicated. When more than one of Melinda’s boyfriends inexplicably dies, suspicion falls on her husband, putting the relationship under new, more sinister pressure.
The film presents a fascinating notion that, while radical at first glance, is fully within the realms of current relationships and marriages.
If you’re curious about how much of ‘Deep Water‘ is based on a true story, we’ve done the research for you!
Is the Movie ‘Deep Water’ Based on a True Story?
‘Deep Water,’ however, is not based on a factual storey. The movie is based on Patricia Highsmith’s 1957 psychological thriller novel of the same name, and Zach Helm and Sam Levinson wrote the screenplay.
All of this is brought to life by well-known director Adrian Lyne, who creates a modernised version of the 1950s novel. Though the fundamental premise remains true to the book, including the names of the main protagonists – Vic (Ben Affleck) and Melinda (Ana de Armas) – a few specifics have been altered to reflect the times.
Vic currently subsists on the profits from the development of a microprocessor used in military drones.
Highsmith’s novel, the fifth in her psychological thriller series, has been adapted for the film on several times. Both the 1981 French thriller ‘Eaux profondes‘ and the two-part German television film ‘Tiefe Wasser‘ are based on the book, with both films transferring the plot to their respective nations.
Over two dozen of Highsmith’s novels have been turned into films, including ‘The Talented Mr. Ripley.’
Despite the fact that the book is primarily a psychological thriller, Lyne’s picture has a strong sensual undertone. Apart from following the compelling plot, the core pair and their relationship appear to offer commentary on modern sexual relationships and marriage.
Lyne is well-known for his work on films such as ‘Fatal Attraction,’ ‘9 1/2 Weeks,’ ‘Indecent Proposal,’ ‘Jacob’s Ladder,’ and ‘Unfaithful,’ among others.
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The director constructs a complex interaction between the principal couple in ‘Deep Water,’ examining their relationship but also shrouding their unsaid understanding in mystery.
The audience, like Vic and Melinda, is unsure whether their love is healing or headed for a dramatic implosion. The perspectives of the main characters are also detailed in such a way that their motivations are clear, adding to the intrigue of the storey.
Thus, both Highsmith and Lyne have a long history of psychological thrillers, with the latter also included a detailed investigation of modern sexual relationships in his film.
Seduction. Obsession. Betrayal.
#DeepWater starts streaming tomorrow on @Hulu. pic.twitter.com/WYyVmNL7yz— 20th Century Studios (@20thcentury) March 17, 2022
The plot is entirely made up, although it appears to be intended to genuinely examine human dynamics and emotions.
Despite its unusual concept, the major protagonists’ issues are believable enough to be taken seriously, with the threat of a “crime of passion” hovering in the background.
‘Deep Water‘ may be mistaken for a murder mystery on the surface. The film (and the book it is based on) is, on the other hand, a considerably more finely built fictional narrative that explores profound human emotions and relationships.
He was different after he talked to you. #DeepWater is now streaming. pic.twitter.com/J2F980OA1Q
— Hulu (@hulu) March 18, 2022
