Deep Red Water is a short psychological drama film released in 2024, directed by Danial Donai. Despite its concise runtime, the film has garnered attention for its unique storyline and powerful message. Below is a comprehensive overview of the movie, covering its plot, cast, and notable highlights.
Basic Information
- Title: Deep Red Water
- Genre: Short Film, Psychological, Drama
- Director: Danial Donai
- Main Cast: Brodie Henson, Sophia Emberson-Bain, Chris Bridgewater, Kye Anthony
- Release Date: June 27, 2024 (in Australia)
- IMDb Rating: 2.9/10
- Tagline: “Now the time has come to make it right, the Queen of the deep has come to fight.”
Plot Summary
Deep Red Water tells a haunting story centered around a mythical creature known as the “Queen of the deep.” The film opens with a mysterious atmosphere, weaving together past and present, guiding viewers into a tense psychological journey. The recurring tagline, “Now the time has come to make it right, the Queen of the deep has come to fight,” hints at a fierce, possibly symbolic confrontation between humans and a supernatural force from the ocean. The movie appears to draw inspiration from classics like Jaws but offers a fresh, psychologically driven perspective.
While specific plot details remain limited in public sources, the film is described as a tale of revenge, redemption, and a battle against humanity’s primal fears. Given its short format, Deep Red Water focuses on building a tense atmosphere and delivering a profound message rather than expanding the scope of the story.
Cast and Crew
- Director Danial Donai: The creative mind behind Deep Red Water, Danial Donai brings a unique, though polarizing, vision to the film.
- Cast:
- Brodie Henson: In the lead role, Henson delivers an emotionally charged performance, contributing to the film’s appeal.
- Sophia Emberson-Bain: A promising young actress expected to shine in her role.
- Chris Bridgewater and Kye Anthony: Supporting actors who add diversity to the character dynamics.
- Production: Made on a low budget, the film emphasizes atmospheric visuals and sound design to create suspense, rather than relying on expensive special effects.
Highlights
- Atmosphere and Cinematography: Deep Red Water leverages imagery of the deep ocean to craft a dark, mysterious vibe. The visuals are described as evocative, immersing viewers in the danger and enigma of the sea.
- Symbolic Themes: Beyond the story of a mythical creature, the film explores deeper themes such as the consequences of human mistakes, confronting fear, and the relationship between humanity and nature.
- Inspired by Jaws: Some sources note connections to Jaws through its use of oceanic imagery and sea creatures. However, the film sparked controversy for using a poster inspired by Jaws fan art without permission from the original artist, Phaserunner.
Reception and Controversy
- IMDb Rating: The film currently holds a low 2.9/10 rating on IMDb, reflecting mixed reception from audiences and critics. Some criticize its lack of narrative depth, while others praise the effort of the independent production team working with limited resources.
- Poster Controversy: The film’s poster was accused of being copied and modified from Jaws fan art created by Phaserunner without the artist’s consent, sparking debates in the film community about copyright and ethics in art.
Release Information
- Release Date: The film was released in Australia on June 27, 2024, according to IMDb and Peliplat.
- Viewing Platforms: Information about wider releases or streaming availability for Deep Red Water remains limited. Audiences may need to check platforms like IMDb or short film festivals for updates.
