Name: The Water Man
Genre: Adventure, Fantasy
Released: 2020-09-13T00:00:00+00:00
Cast: David Oyelowo, Amiah Miller, Lonnie Chavis, Rosario Dawson, Maria Bello

The moment Gunner Boone (Lonnie Chavis) first steps into the eerie Wild Horse forest, clutching his makeshift map and fueled by desperation, The Water Man reveals its true intention: to be more than just a straightforward adventure. It’s a heartfelt exploration of grief, guilt, and the power of storytelling, wrapped in a fantastical quest narrative that serves as both escape and catharsis for its young protagonist. Director David Oyelowo‘s feature debut is an ambitious blend of genres—adventure, fantasy, and drama—that doesn’t always coalesce seamlessly, but when it works, it shines with emotional authenticity.

Oyelowo draws a compelling performance from Chavis as Gunner, an imaginative 11-year-old who believes he can save his sick mother by finding the mythical Water Man. The film’s emotional core lies in Gunner’s relationship with his father Amos (Oyelowo), whose own grief and guilt manifest in his controlling behavior. Amos is a man paralyzed by fear, projecting his anxieties onto his son in an attempt to protect him from the very pain he himself cannot escape. Oyelowo’s direction is notably assured, particularly in the forest scenes, where he uses light and shadow to create an atmosphere of wonder and dread. The Wild Horse forest becomes more than just a setting; it’s a character unto itself, a liminal space where reality blurs with fantasy.

The film’s strongest moments come from its performances. Chavis is a standout, capturing Gunner’s innocence and determination with ease. His wide-eyed curiosity and unwavering belief in the impossible make him an endearing protagonist. Oyelowo, too, delivers a powerful turn as Amos, his portrayal of a man struggling with his own failures adding depth to the story. There’s a raw vulnerability in Oyelowo’s performance that resonates, particularly in the scenes where Amos confronts his own shortcomings as a father. Amiah Miller also holds her own as Jo, Gunner’s loyal friend, their chemistry palpable in their shared adventures.

However, The Water Man stumbles in its pacing and structure. The transition from the fantastical quest to the emotional core sometimes feels abrupt, and the film’s third act struggles to balance its thematic weight with its adventure elements. Some of the fantasy sequences, while visually striking, feel disconnected from the grounded emotional narrative. For instance, the reveal of the Water Man himself is underwhelming, lacking the mythic gravitas one might expect. This ambiguity undercuts the emotional resonance of the film’s climax, leaving some viewers likely to feel shortchanged.

Moreover, the film’s attempt to blend genres—adventure, fantasy, and drama—sometimes results in a lack of coherence. The Water Man himself, the mythical figure at the center of Gunner’s quest, is underdeveloped, his backstory and motivations left frustratingly vague. This vagueness extends to the film’s themes as well. While The Water Man touches on profound ideas about grief, guilt, and the power of storytelling, it often feels like these themes are merely skimmed over rather than fully explored.

That said, The Water Man is a bold directorial debut from Oyelowo. His ability to evoke emotion and create atmosphere compensates for some of the film’s narrative shortcomings. The cinematography, particularly in the forest scenes, is evocative, with a mix of natural light and subtle artificial illumination that enhances the film’s dreamlike quality. The score, too, deserves mention, as it effectively underscores the emotional beats without overpowering them.

The film’s themes are timely and relevant, exploring the complexities of family dynamics and the ways in which we cope with loss. Gunner’s quest is not just a physical journey but an emotional one, as he grapples with his mother’s illness and his father’s inability to express his love. Amos, meanwhile, is forced to confront his own failures as a parent and husband, his journey mirroring his son’s in many ways.

In terms of its genre fit, The Water Man straddles the line between family adventure and darker fantasy, making it a challenging fit for younger audiences who might be expecting a purely escapist experience. The film’s darker themes and emotional weight set it apart from more traditional adventure fare, but this also limits its appeal to a broader audience.

Ultimately, The Water Man is a film that tries to do too much, spreading itself thin in its attempt to blend genres and explore complex themes. However, when it focuses on its emotional core—the relationship between Gunner and Amos—it truly shines. Oyelowo’s direction is assured, and the performances from Chavis and Oyelowo are standout.

The Water Man is for those who appreciate a more nuanced approach to family adventure films, willing to delve into the darker aspects of human emotion.