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 opening shot of The Water Man lingers on Gunner Boone’s worried face as he clutches his mother’s hand, her hospital room bathed in the sterile glow of fluorescent lights. It’s a moment that sets the emotional stakes for David Oyelowo‘s directorial debut, a heartfelt adventure about a boy’s desperate quest to save his sick mother.

Oyelowo, known for his powerful performances in films like Selma, steps behind the camera to tell this story of hope and loss, drawing from personal experiences with childhood illness. The film follows Gunner (Lonnie Chavis) and his friend Jo (Amiah Miller) as they venture into the eerie Wild Horse forest to find a mythical figure who may hold the secret to immortality. When the children go missing, Gunner’s father Amos (Oyelowo) must confront his own fears and embark on a journey to find them.

The film’s strengths lie in its emotional core and the performances of its young leads. Chavis and Miller share a palpable chemistry, their friendship grounded in the kind of innocence and curiosity that only children possess. Their scenes together are filled with genuine warmth and humor, providing a welcome respite from the film’s darker themes. Oyelowo’s direction is notably sensitive when it comes to capturing the nuances of childhood, whether it’s the way Gunner clutches his mother’s hand or the way Jo’s eyes widen at the sight of something magical.

The cinematography deserves mention for its evocative use of light and shadow, particularly in the forest scenes. The Wild Horse forest is a character unto itself, its twisted trees and murky waters hiding secrets that both beckon and frighten. The score complements the visuals beautifully, building tension and emotion with its haunting melodies.

However, The Water Man is not without its flaws. The film’s pacing can feel uneven at times, particularly in its second act. While the journey into the forest is filled with moments of wonder and danger, some sequences stretch on a bit too long, diluting the overall impact. Additionally, the film’s exploration of themes like hope and mortality sometimes feels muddled. The black rock that represents hope comes with a catch—hope expires—which sends a mixed message that might leave some viewers confused.

The film also struggles to fully realize its darker elements. Scenes dealing with adult subjects like leukemia, child abuse, poverty, and climate change are viewed through a child’s lens, which can make them feel somewhat sanitized. While this approach allows the film to maintain a sense of wonder, it also robs some moments of their potential emotional weight.

In the end, The Water Man is a heartfelt adventure that succeeds in capturing the essence of childhood and the power of hope.