The Water Man is not without its flaws, but the stellar cast and captivating plot make this one an interesting watch!
The Water Man is an intriguing adventure film that has its scary moments, its full moments, and its heartwarming moments. There is a lot going on here, sometimes too much, and the abrupt and confusing end to the main plot is a tad annoying. Still, the stellar cast, overall message, and journey, makes The Water Man a worthwhile watch.
This movie follows young Gunner as he refuses to give up hope on his mother, who is dying from cancer. It seems that everyone around him is beginning to, even his parents and his mom’s doctor, but when he discovers the legend of The Water Man, he recruits a local girl named Jo to help him find the creature that can heal.
What Works With The Water Man
It is impossible to talk about The Water Man and not touch on the fantastic job that the cast does with this film. David Oyelowo not only directs, but stars as well, alongside Rosario Dawson. These two steal the scenes whenever they are on the screen. Their chemistry and connection, as well as the hardship they are going through with Dawson’s character being sick and dying, is apparent, and helps make the movie what it is.
As for the younger actors, Amiah Miller who plays Jo, and Lonnie Chavis who plays Gunner, they crush it on the screen too. The movie centers around Gunner, and his relationship with his parents as well as Jo. The moments when Jo and Gunner are exploring the forest together are some of the best.
The graphic novel aspect to this film is very cool to look at, and done really well. The young boy, Gunner, is writing and drawing his own graphic novel so there are several times that the art comes through as scenes are sketched out. This brings a unique look to the film, and keeps things interesting by switching it up.
The story itself warrants a lot of suspense, and The Water Man does a great job of making that come through. With the cinematography and the score combined, it would be near impossible to not have your heart pounding during a few scenes – the bugs and the bed – in particular.
What Doesn’t Work With The Water Man
The biggest drawback of this film is that it is unclear who this movie is made for. The Water Man is rated PG and while it is something that older kids like teens and tweens will enjoy, it doesn’t seem to fit with the younger crowd. This is because it is too slow and drawn out, and not mention quite scary at times for littler ones. The film feels like something that is good for ages 12 and up — especially if you want your kids to be fully engaged.
While the story line itself is intriguing and engaging, it unfortunately just ends with confusing and abruptness that will leave viewers taking a few minutes to catch up and figure out what exactly just happened. There is a bit of explanation, but the whole moment takes a bit to get there and almost makes the entire movie feel like it was pointless to watch — almost.
Overall Thoughts
The Water Man has a unique story line that will keep most viewers intrigued, even through the dull moments that cause the movie to drag. If it wasn’t for the confusing and bizarre end to the hunt for the Water Man, this movie would be a whole lot better, but that isn’t to say it is a bad film, it just has even greater potential.
The entire cast does a fantastic job bringing life to these characters, and making the audience feel for each and every one of them. Oyelowo balances acting and directing well, and boasts undeniable chemistry with his on screen wife.
The movie is only an hour and a half long, which is perfect because any longer and it could be a struggle to finish. The biggest issue with it is the destination of the adventure, and the lack of urgency on the way to get there. There is a good film in here somewhere, and that is largely in part to the cinematography, the few tense moments, and the plot as a whole. It could definitely be worse, but it could be a whole lot better too.
About The Water Man
Gunner (Lonnie Chavis) sets out on a quest to save his ill mother (Rosario Dawson) by searching for a mythic figure who possesses the secret to immortality, the Water Man. After enlisting the help of a mysterious local girl, Jo (Amiah Miller), they journey together into the remote Wild Horse forest — but the deeper they venture, the stranger and more dangerous the forest becomes. Their only hope for rescue is Gunner’s father (David Oyelowo), who will stop at nothing to find them and in the process will discover who his son really is.
The Water Man hits theaters May 7th.
