Deep Water (2022) is a psychological thriller that delves deep into the murky waters of desire, jealousy, and deceit. Directed by Adrian Lyne and based on the 1957 novel by Patricia Highsmith, the film is a chilling exploration of the darker sides of human nature, set within a complex and unsettling marriage. With a screenplay by Zach Helm and Sam Levinson, the film brings Highsmith’s gripping narrative to life, blending psychological tension with elements of suspense and eroticism.

The story follows Vic (Ben Affleck) and Melinda Van Allen (Ana de Armas), a married couple whose relationship is anything but conventional. Set in a sun-soaked, secluded estate in the affluent suburbs, the couple seems to have it all — wealth, beauty, and an idyllic lifestyle. However, beneath the surface of their seemingly perfect life lies a volatile and toxic dynamic. Vic, a reclusive and emotionally distant man, allows his wife Melinda to carry on a series of open affairs, a decision that both baffles and troubles those around them. While Melinda’s infidelities are openly acknowledged by the couple, it’s clear that her behavior serves as both a form of rebellion and a power play in their dysfunctional marriage. The unsettling nature of their arrangement, however, soon escalates into something far darker.