The Weight of Water Synopsis & Review: Plot Summary

🎯 Quick Overview

😅 Plot Summary – Badly Explained

A photographer, her poet husband, a random brother, and a barely-dressed Elizabeth Hurley take a boat trip to an island where a historical crime happened, leading to jealousy, repressed feelings, and someone probably should have brought more sunscreen.

🍿 The Weight of Water: Detailed Plot Synopsis

The 1873 Murders on Smuttynose Island

The film interweaves the story of the 1873 murders of two Norwegian immigrant women on Smuttynose Island, off the coast of New England. Maren Hontvedt, a survivor of the attack, recounts the events leading up to the crime during the trial of Louis Wagner, accused of the murders. The flashbacks reveal Maren’s loveless marriage and her suppressed feelings for her brother, painting a picture of a harsh and isolated life.

Modern-Day Investigation and Marital Tension

In present day, newspaper photographer Jean Janes travels to the island with her husband Thomas, a poet, his brother Rich, and Rich’s girlfriend Adaline. Jean is researching the historical murders, hoping to uncover new insights. The trip exposes the cracks in Jean and Thomas’s marriage, especially with Adaline openly flirting with Thomas, causing Jean to grapple with feelings of jealousy and inadequacy.

Unveiling the Truth and Jean’s Suspicions

As Jean delves deeper into the archived papers related to the murders, she begins to suspect that Maren Hontvedt was actually the killer, not Louis Wagner. The film draws parallels between the past and present, suggesting similar themes of jealousy, betrayal, and repressed desires. The tension among the modern-day characters escalates as Adaline’s advances become bolder and Jean’s suspicions about Thomas’s reciprocation grow stronger.

⚠️ Spoilers and Ending Explained

🎬 Cast & Characters

• Jean Janes (Catherine McCormack): A newspaper photographer researching an old murder case whose own marital troubles mirror the past events.
• Thomas Janes (Sean Penn): An award-winning poet and Jean’s husband, who is the object of Adaline’s flirtations, causing tension in his marriage.
• Maren Hontvedt (Sarah Polley): A Norwegian immigrant in a loveless marriage who is a key witness and the suspected murderer in a historical double homicide.
• Adaline Gunne (Elizabeth Hurley): Rich’s girlfriend, a seductive woman whose open flirting with Thomas stirs jealousy in Jean and contributes to the story’s conflict.
• Louis Wagner (Ciarán Hinds): The man accused of the double murder in 1873, ultimately hanged, whose innocence Jean questions.

💬 Memorable Quotes

• Thomas Janes: “Though lovers shall be lost, love shall not.” – A line from Thomas’s poetry, reflecting on the complexities and enduring nature of love despite loss, which sets the tone for the film’s exploration of relationships.

💰Box Office

• Budget: $16,000,000
• Domestic Gross: $109,130
• Worldwide Gross: $321,279

💥 The Weight of Water Reviews

Personal Review

I was really drawn in by Sarah Polley’s performance. She just nailed the repressed emotions and her part of the story was the strongest. But, to be honest, the modern part with Elizabeth Hurley felt kind of tacked on and didn’t really add much. The ending with the storm? It was a bit much, but I appreciate the movie trying to say something about history repeating itself. Still, Polley is fantastic!

• Who would enjoy:
  • “Fans of historical mysteries and suspenseful thrillers.”
  • “Viewers interested in complex female characters and psychological dramas.”
  • “Those who appreciate films with strong visual atmosphere and a focus on human relationships.”
• Content warnings ⚠:
  • “Violence and graphic depictions of murder.”
  • “Brief nudity and suggestive content.”
  • “Themes of adultery, jealousy, and repressed sexuality.”

Professional Reviews

• IMDb: “Bigelow masterfully blends historical and modern narratives, though the connections are subtle. McCormack and Polley deliver standout performances. Hurley’s role, while decorative, fits the story’s themes. The film challenges viewers with its open-ended nature, making it a must-see for those seeking thought-provoking cinema.
• Variety: “While ambitious, ‘The Weight of Water’ struggles to balance its dual narratives. The historical story, fueled by Sarah Polley’s compelling performance, overshadows the modern tale. Bigelow’s direction is strong, but the script’s lack of clarity weakens the overall impact.

Audience Reactions

Sarah Polley’s portrayal of Maren is haunting and unforgettable.: The film’s atmosphere and visuals create a chilling and unsettling experience.

The parallel storytelling is ambitious but can be confusing.: The movie lacks a clear resolution, leaving some viewers unsatisfied.

Overall Consensus: A visually striking but narratively uneven film with strong performances, especially from Sarah Polley, but fails to fully connect its two storylines.

Awards

🛠️ Behind the Scenes

• “The film is based on the novel of the same name by Anita Shreve, inspired by the real-life Smuttynose Island murders that took place in 1873.”
• “Filming took place primarily at Fox Baja Studios in Mexico, utilizing the large water tanks to simulate the harsh ocean conditions.”
• “Director Kathryn Bigelow is known for her action films, this movie shows her capability to direct a drama with character focus and complex interweaving plots.”

🖥️ How to Watch The Weight of Water?

Currently, ‘The Weight of Water’ is not widely available on major streaming platforms like Prime Video, Netflix, or Hulu. Your best bet to watch this film is to rent or purchase it through digital retailers such as Amazon Prime Video, Apple TV, Google Play Movies, or Vudu. Check your local listings for potential cable on-demand options as well. Availability may vary depending on your region.

🎥 Similar Movies

If you enjoyed The Weight of Water, you might like these similar films:

• Possession (2002): Features two parallel narratives, one set in the past and one in the present, exploring similar themes of love, betrayal, and historical mystery.
• Knife in the Water (1962): Explores themes of jealousy, sexual tension, and hidden resentments within a confined setting.

🛒 The Weight of Water Related Products

• The Weight of Water [Blu-ray]: Experience Kathryn Bigelow’s atmospheric thriller in high definition. A must-have for fans of Sarah Polley and suspenseful storytelling.
• Nautical Sailing Rope Bracelet: A stylish nautical bracelet inspired by the film’s seafaring setting. Perfect for adding a touch of adventure to your everyday look.
• Maritime Knot Throw Pillow Cover: Decorative pillow cover featuring nautical knots, evoking the film’s seafaring atmosphere. Ideal for adding a touch of coastal charm to your home decor.
• Isles of Shoals Historical Guide Book: Learn about the real history of the Isles of Shoals, the location of the infamous murders that inspired the film. A fascinating read for true crime enthusiasts.

🎧 Soundtrack

The Weight of Water features a captivating soundtrack that enhances the movie’s atmosphere and emotional impact. Here are some notable tracks:

• “Sulli lulli lite ban” – performed by Traditional

You can find the complete soundtrack on Amazon Music and Apple Music.

🤨 FAQ

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