The Weight of Water

This is an underrated film. It successfully uses parallel narrative to toggle between two interrelated stories that bridge past and present; and co-mingling of taboo erotic tension. The film has everything this viewer likes to have explored cinematically: romance, drama, mystery, psychological tension, death/murder, and an exploration of human relationships. It is a woman-made film, one of Kathryn Bigelow's early works, and has the stamp of a woman's perspective, invaluable in a male-dominated industry. It may not rise to the highest artistic level but it is highly entertaining and well worth watching. I think too often there is negative bias from critics about women-made films, for instance W.E., Laurel Canyon, and Professor Marston & the Wonder Women. If you haven't heard of these films, please watch them and then ask yourself if you think these women-made films about subjects women choose to explore are equally worthy. If you are like me, your answer will be a resounding yes.

A Dead Again-type of tale, about relationship problems and crimes committed generations apart--a very different kind of film than we're used to seeing from Bigelow. I 'got' and enjoyed it--unlike most people--but it's clear she was experimenting, trying something different, out of her comfort zone, which is commendable. It probably proved a beneficial learning experience for her, like Strange Days was, on her road to much bigger and better things. I recommend it for its cast, performances, and very intriguing, if ultimately flawed, plot. If you're patient and are curious about a sensual mystery plot like Bigelow presents here, it will prove a satisfying diversion for you.