Night Swim, a Blumhouse horror-thriller currently available to stream on Netflix, begins with an interesting supernatural setup involving a supposedly haunted backyard swimming pool. The movie creates a believable tension and an eerie atmosphere, supported by solid acting from Wyatt Russell and Kerry Condon as the Waller family, whose emotional arc gives substance to the creepy occurrences.
The underwater visuals are indeed a high point, creating truly unsettling moments that make Night Swim interesting in the first half. However, the longer the story goes, the more it relies on not-so-creative horror clichés and jump scares, wasting much of its initial suspense. Additionally, the pacing is slow with a not-so-engaging screenplay and a backstory that does not fully evolve. This further drives away your attention instead of building suspense.
The movie’s ending, which shows the swimming pool’s sinister past of sacrificial healing deals, has polarized audiences. Although the sacrifice made by the father to rescue his children holds emotional weight, the majority of viewers consider the ending unfulfilling and predictable, a disappointing conclusion to the otherwise engaging setup.
Critically, Night Swim has received mixed to bad reviews. Critics praise its atmosphere and performances but criticize the meager scares and formulaic plot. Fans of horror who are looking for a slightly suspenseful supernatural tale might find it worth seeing, but it is not much of a standout in Blumhouse’s catalogue.
Overall, Night Swim offers creepy imagery and emotional depth, but is ultimately hindered by clichés and a disappointing climax. If you would like to give it a try, watch it with low expectations for a horror thriller that begins well but swims into safer waters toward the end.
Watch the trailer | Night Swim
Credits & Release Details
Genre: Horror
Directed, Screenplay by Bryce McGuire
Based on Night Swim by Bryce McGuire, Rod Blackhurst
Produced by Jason Blum and James Wan
Cast: Wyatt Russell, Kerry Condon, and Amélie Hoeferle
Cinematography: Charlie Sarroff
Release date: January 5, 2024
Movies Similar to Night Swim: Exploring Water-Centered Horror and Supernatural Fears
Although director Bryce McGuire named influences like Jaws, iconic Stephen King works such as Pet Sematary, and other archetype ’80s suburban horror movies, there are a few other movies thematically close to Night Swim.
These do not have to be supernatural, though, but share similar fears—of water, being alone, supernatural curses, and family danger. While the pool in Night Swim serves almost exactly as a cursed place that grants wishes, but at an awful price, there are films such as:
- Oculus (2013) – Features a cursed mirror that manipulates reality and destroys families.
- Wish Upon (2017) – A cursed music box that grants wishes for deadly sacrifices.
- The Ring (2002) – A cursed videotape that kills viewers.
The story of the film is also goes into possession horror as Ray becomes increasingly controlled by the evil energy of the pool. This connects it to classics as The Exorcist and Poltergeist, in which supernatural entities corrupt and control their victims.
Additionally, Night Swim draws on hydrophobia and underwater horror, as in movies such as Dark Water (2005), Open Water (2003), and The Shallows (2016), all of which play upon our primal fears of water as a perilous, unknown entity.
Where to Watch Night Swim
The film is currently streaming on Netflix. For full streaming availability in different locations, check out the listings below.
Where to watch Night Swim (2024)
