While “Deep Water” didn't hit my lofty expectations set by the mere idea of Adrian Lyne directing an adaptation of a Patricia Highsmith novel that would be starring (then) real-life couple Ana de Armas and Ben Affleck, it does offer a few salacious thrills, and twisted morality that almost makes this a must watch. Almost. Melinda Van Allen (De Armas) and Vic Van Allen (Affleck) are mired in a seemingly loveless marriage. They stay together for reasons that aren't totally apparent initially, nor are they fleshed out by the end. It is evident that in this marital arrangement, Melinda is free to pursue affairs with other men, flaunt them in front of Vic, and Vic is powerless to take any recourse….maybe. Melinda's boy toys seem to have a habit of disappearing or even, perhaps, meeting an untimely end. 

Technically an erotic thriller, there isn't a ton of eroticism--or thrills, for that matter. However, it would be dishonest if I didn't admit that the image of Ana De Armas beckoning Vic to "Eat my Ass" has been living rent-free in my head since I watched this. The most glaring issue is that the film is remarkably dull and repetitive, especially in the first half. There is an element of mystery and intrigue, but not in a manner that really serves the characters or story. Both Vic and Melinda are rather despicable as protagonists. As such, the desire to unravel this mystery is born out of pure curiosity to see where the hell this weird film is going. 

To be honest, the ending of this movie is just plain bizarre. I would never have guessed that this erotic thriller would culminate in a scene where Tracy Letts curses at his phone's auto-correct function. It was so unexpected that I couldn't help but burst out laughing. “Deep Water” is not a good movie, and it was unceremoniously dumped onto Hulu for a good reason. Aside from morbid curiosity, the only reason to watch is that Ana de Armas is genuinely captivating on screen. I can mildly recommend it to her admirers. All other film lovers can safely skip this total misfire. 

— 2.5 / 5 ⭐