Movies - Night Swim : Atomic Monster and Blumhouse Join Forces to Dive into the Abyss of Horror

By Mulder, 02 january 2024

Brace yourselves for an unprecedented descent into the darkest corners of horror as Atomic Monster and Blumhouse, the visionary producers behind M3GAN, unveil their latest collaboration, Night Swim. Directed by the talented Bryce McGuire, this supernatural thriller promises to be a spine-tingling journey that transcends the ordinary boundaries of fear.

Night Swim unfolds with Wyatt Russell (The Falcon and the Winter Soldier, Overlord) taking on the role of Ray Waller, a former major league baseball player whose career is cut short by a degenerative illness. Alongside Russell, Oscar® nominee Kerry Condon (The Banshees of Inisherin, Three Billboards Outside Ebbing, Missouri) portrays Ray's concerned wife Eve. The Waller family, including teenage daughter Izzy (Amélie Hoeferle) and young son Elliot (Gavin Warren), moves into a new home, hoping for a fresh start.

What initially appears to be a haven of relaxation, the shimmering backyard swimming pool, soon becomes a breeding ground for malevolence. Ray convinces Eve that the pool can serve as both entertainment for the kids and a therapeutic escape for him. Little do they know, a dark secret from the home's past unleashes a force that threatens to drag the entire family into a nightmarish abyss of inescapable terror.

The supporting cast is nothing short of stellar, featuring Jodi Long (Shang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings), Nancy Lenehan (Catch Me If You Can), Eddie Martinez (Justified: City Primeval), newcomer Elijah Roberts, and Rahnuma Panthaky (Modern Family).

Night Swim is a brainchild of Bryce McGuire, known for his upcoming film Baghead. The screenplay is a collaboration between McGuire and Rod Blackhurst, with McGuire taking on the directorial role. The film is produced by James Wan, the visionary behind the Saw, Insidious, and The Conjuring franchises, alongside Jason Blum, the mastermind responsible for Halloween films, The Black Phone, and The Invisible Man. Executive producers include Michael Clear and Judson Scott for Atomic Monster, as well as Ryan Turek for Blumhouse.

In Night Swim, McGuire transforms the seemingly mundane pleasure of a backyard swimming pool into a wellspring of demonic evil. Drawing inspiration from classic eighties-era chillers such as Poltergeist and Pet Sematary, the film seamlessly blends horror, style, and wicked world-building.

McGuire shares, "I wanted to evoke the feeling of nostalgia from older movies like Poltergeist, Christine, Burnt Offerings, or Jaws that inspired Night Swim. The movie is about letting go of the past, so it felt right to indulge that feeling of nostalgia at the top."

The film delves into McGuire's childhood experiences and aquaphobia, exploring the fear and reverence for water that grew from living in a coastal environment. Night Swim draws from iconic horror films like Creature from the Black Lagoon, Jaws, and The Shining, creating a unique and deeply resonant narrative that taps into universal fears.

At the heart of Night Swim lies its characters, the Waller family, each representing fundamental wishes and desires at different stages of life. The film poses questions about the pursuit of happiness, health, and the sacrifices one is willing to make.

Night Swim was filmed on location in Altadena, California, and the Los Angeles region over the course of 34 days in 2023. The film's locations, FX makeup, and music contribute to its atmospheric and immersive experience. Special makeup effects designer Justin Raleigh, known for his work on Aquaman and Swamp Thing, created waterlogged ghouls with prosthetics that absorb water, adding an extra layer of authenticity.

The haunting musical score, composed by Mark Korven (The Witch, The Lighthouse, The Black Phone), enhances the film's eerie atmosphere. Wyatt Russell's character, Ray Waller, brings an '80s metal flair to the soundtrack, featuring classics from Def Leppard, Poison, Quiet Riot, Sabbath, and White Snake.

Night Swim is poised to captivate audiences with its compelling storyline, stellar cast, and atmospheric elements that pay homage to the horror genre's classics. The film is scheduled for release in [Release Date], promising an unforgettable cinematic experience that will leave audiences on the edge of their seats.

itw Bryce McGuire (Director)

itw James Wan (Producer)

itw Jason Blum (Producer)

itw Wyatt Russell (Actor)

itw Kerry Condon (Actress)

tw Amélie Hoeferle (Actress)

Synopsis:
Ray Waller is a former American soccer player forced to give up his career due to a degenerative disease, when he moves into a new house with his family: his wife Eve, their daughter Izzy and their youngest son. Ray, against all odds, doesn't despair of resuming his career and persuades the whole family that the swimming pool in the garden will be perfect for his rehabilitation and for his children. But the house hides a dark past, and they unwittingly awaken a malevolent force that will plunge them all into the depths of absolute horror.

Night Swim
Written and directed by Bryce McGuire
Story by Bryce McGuire, Rod Blackhurst
Based on Night Swim by Bryce McGuire, Rod Blackhurst
Produced by James Wan, Jason Blum
Starring Wyatt Russell, Kerry Condon, Amélie Hoeferle, Gavin Warren
Cinematography : Charlie Sarroff
Edited by Jeff McEvoy
Music by Mark Korven
Production companies : Atomic Monster, Blumhouse Productions
Distributed by Universal Pictures
Release date : January 5, 2024 (France), January 5, 2024 (United States)
Running time: 98 minutes