Dark Water

Director:  Walter Salles

Rated: PG-13

Touchstone Pictures, 8 July 2005, 105 mins.

From IMDb:  A mother and daughter, still wounded from a bitter custody dispute, hole up in a run-down apartment building. Adding further drama to their plight, they are targeted by the ghost of former resident.


I've seen this movie a few times, and each time certain parts make me jump. It's not what you would consider a gory, gruesome horror movie. It does have some suspense and scary parts, but done in a way that throughout the movie you don't really know what the "bad thing" is. 
The story is touching, as it proves a mother's love for their child is very strong and they would rather give their life than allow the child to die. 


As IMDB's description states, the mother and daughter move to a run down apartment and soon after, discover a strange black, wet spot on their ceiling in the child's bedroom. Over time, the ceiling proceeds to drip and fills up bucket after bucket of black/dark water. Despite the numerous attempts to repair and stop the leaking, it begins again. Dahlia, the mother, played by Jennifer Connelly hears footsteps upstairs, but is told that no one lives there. She ventures on upstairs to explore and discovers the apartment flooded and signs of neighbourhood "kids" playing around in the abandoned apartment.


Dahlia continues to explore the apartment building, including the roof. She soon finds out the real history of the apartment and decides that it's better to pack up everything and leave. The final night in their apartment proves to be the last night. 


Without giving too many spoilers, it was quite loving how Dahlia put her daughter first. I was surprised to see Tim Roth (Lie To Me fame) in this movie, acting as Dahlia's lawyer. He played a great part, like he does with everything he's in. Little Ariel Gade played the role of Dahlia's daughter CeCi perfectly. 


Like I mentioned earlier, the movie may not contain all the usual blood and gore that I look for in a horror movie, but the suspense and thrills make up for it. I usually end up watching it over again, if it comes on TV. I would say see this movie.


Therefore, I would give this movie 4/5.

Bidding you bloody nightmares,

Nyx