Wade in the Water (2019) User Reviews

Intriguing

[BandSAboutMovies · 6/10 · 18 July 2019]

The main character in this movie - referred to as Our Man in the credits - is never named. He works from home, gets in arguments with nearly everyone he does meet and has no friends. His life changes forever when he opens a package filled with images that upset him. Now, he must take the secret of that package and take his life on a whole new path.

Wade In the Water is directed by Mark Wilson, who up until now has directed mainly shorts and the documentary The Painted Warrior. Its true strength lies in its lead, Tom E. Nicholson. He conveys the pain of a childhood of abuse that has manifested itself in an isolated and angry existence in his adulthood.

He ends up meeting the daughter (Tilly Anderton) of the man who the package was intended for and forges an uneasy friendship with her. Within that relationship, he confesses more of the personal pain that he grew up with than he does to his therapist. The juxtaposition between the small girl and the giant of a man is in direct proportion to how much more control she has over life than he does, wildly flailing through in and lashing out in all directions.

Wade In the Water isn't the type of film that we ordinarily explore on our site, but it was still a fascinating watch.

The Lead is Great

[GilbertS-85 · 7/10 · 16 June 2021]

Wade in the Water is unique for an indie movie because it's a bit of a character study. I've been binging on a ton of indies, and they have a hard time with this kind of movie or at least doing it this well. The crux of the story is that the protagonist finds purpose after accidentally finding a secret none of us ever want to ever see. Tom E. Nicholson, who plays the lead, is in every scene and is mesmerizing to watch. He's an angry character that starts to grow on you. You get and understand his daily frustration. There is a little of him (or a lot) in all of us. Excellent watch.

Review from non-insider -- Movie is OK, nothing noteable

[goods116 · 5/10 · 7 October 2020]

Saw this movie yesterday off Amazon Prime, the current 7.9 IMDB rating pumped up by a few dozen insider 10 ratings. For a low budget project, basically two actor driven drama, it's fine, really just an average movie (which is frankly good these days with so much absolute trash out there). I was fine watching this but would not see a need to recommend to others. Story a bit unrealistic in my opinion but it sort of works.

Darkness is the Prevailing Mood of this One

[baccaruda1 · 6/10 · 20 June 2021]

Not quite sure how I feel about this film. One one hand, it tells the story of an outsider who, in his own twisted way, enacts justice upon someone he deems in need of it. On the other, taking the law into one's own hands can lead down dark corridors, as this movie showed. The main protagonist is mostly unlikable, and after his own heinous act, becomes oddly involved with the daughter of the man who was on the receiving end of his street justice. Wade in the Water is mostly a character study of a person on the outskirts of society, who wants to do good, but seems mostly incapable of doing so in a productive way. The film is well produced and shot, and the acting is genuine. So if you're in the mood for a deep look into a troubled soul, look no further than this one.

Take a chance and Wade in

[ggina102 · 6/10 · 16 June 2021]

This movie is a slow burn. It's a dark drama but with touches of humor. Well shot and executed. I think the highlight of this one is the cinematography. Is it worth a watch? Yes. If you're a fan of indie films and are adventurous in choosing what you watch, then this one will be worth your time!

Though provoking, dark and yet humorous at the same time.

[jimborussell · 7/10 · 11 June 2021]

A true indie film that I recommend. Though provoking, dark and yet humorous at the same time. This one will leave you thinking which I believe is an earmark of a good film. A look at human nature, difficult situations and forgiveness all wrapped up in an unlikely friendship between two people.

Greatest story ever told

[imdb2-5 · 4/10 · 21 November 2020]

My subject refers to the majority of the early reviews, many who have likely have been a part of the film, know the cast or dropped byarketers. The more honest reviewers probably have seen the film on Amazon prime. This looks sounds, and is scripted by students, including some of the actors. If the f-bomb is something your squeamish about, then this 90 minute expedition is really not for you. I really appreciate the effort here and some of the players made the most of their very small parts. It may be partly the responsibility of the script, hard to tell, but the lead actor is not convincing at times and you can see or sense the effort at acting.

What starts off as awkward but willing to give a chance did into an unrealistic place. Skip to the end. You may not be sure whether to laugh or to cry. I just didn't buy the script and especially not the ending.

Takes some patience, but it pays off

[rhefner2002 · 8/10 · 29 September 2020]

I'm a huge fan of good indie films, but this one made me wonder for the first half hour. Then it became more and more engrossing. By the end, I was completely sold.

Most movies have so many complicated, tricky plot devices, action scenes, CGI effects, etc., it's like filmmakers don't think audiences care about real life stories about real people--without pretense, without affectation.

This film is a fine exception. It will really stay in your mind after its over. You'll recommend it to your intelligent friends. Your other friends (the ones who can't wait for the new Hollywood blockbuster) won't get it.

Disappointing

[scott-pierce456 · 3/10 · 27 February 2021]

I watched based on good reviews only to find a lackluster film that was unbelievable and dull. Not a terrible film just nothing much too see here.

Wade in the Water: So you think YOUR relationship is weird?

[jtncsmistad · 8/10 · 1 June 2019]

The new dark semi-comic domestic drama "Wade in the Water" practically defies description. Still, I'm gonna give it my best shot. Kinna like a main character in this flick does.

Director Mark Wilson's interpretation of a mega offbeat story by Chris Retts takes us on a mesmerizing journey encompassing, among other things, at home telemarketing, independent So-Cal fast food joints, the U.S. Post Office, dancing on the beach and vintage typewriters. And that's not even a thorough list. Add to this eclectic mix the infinitely more troubling elements of family dysfunction, child molestation and murder and you have a movie that really must be seen to both understand as well as approach appreciation.

Tom E. Nicholson is flat-out Oscar worthy here. The reality that he won't even be nominated, or even seen, by The Academy takes not one damn shred away from his raw, raunchy and heartrending performance. Danika Golombek ("I Am The Night") matches Nicholson's standard as the completely unlikely other half of the weird relationship referenced in this review's title.

These two lost souls are caught in the current of a tense and tenuous bond that can not continue. And we as an audience are the benefactors of watching this most dubious pair navigate through unspeakably troubled waters.

Intriguing but not quite

[Otte1 · 4/10 · 20 November 2020]

This is an indie film with two characters making up the majority of the dialogue. It starts intriguing but becomes a little bit unrealistic. I could see this being a 5 or 6 star but the conclusion brought it down for me. Acting and direction is decent, storyline needed a little more 'punch'. We do not get enough character development to explain the motivations of the sequences.

It was ok, obvious fake reviews, nothing special, low low budget mediocre!!

[joiningjt · 4/10 · 5 November 2020]

Acting was adequate but barely the 2 main characters are ok I'd say they'd be good in a local play but not stars by any means, story was ok at best the high reviews are obviously plants by friends of the film or the crew. It's no way in the 7s that's impossible. If you're reading this I'd watch something else like the movie his house or tau I watched both of them yesterday and they are extremely Underrated!!

A Low-Key Delight

[adamk-2 · 10/10 · 28 September 2020]

Low key and Lo-Fi it might be, but this still exerts a powerful pull. "Our Man", the dysfunctional main character (as listed in the credits) receives a packet in the mail that's not meant for him, which sends him on the road to retribution and the confronting of his own demons. It is, in its own way, bleakly funny, almost serving at times as a "Taxi Driver" parody, and someone else has rightly identified "Blue Ruin" as another strong influence. As Our Man, Tom E Nicholson is quietly effective, but the real find is Danika Golombek, as the daughter of his victim, with whom he forms an unlikely friendship. She has an amazingly expressive face and is genuinely touching and funny in their scenes together. If you're looking for thrills and excitement, this might not be for you, but it's definitely worth a look.

Seriously triggering subject matter for some

[Wolfylildoggy · 5/10 · 27 December 2020]

Some are Indie film fans, some are not-this is above average in Indie world with some shiny acting scenes delivered by actors that with the right direction and production will have their due eventually. Like most Indie films or subtitled you gotta hang in there & work your mind to enjoy it, the blockbuster aspect isn't there to do it for you. Not to be confused with campy B films, Indie movies most times have a crusade or a cause, deliberately multi-dimensional characters; this story being no exception. Worth a watch in the sea of garbage 2020 has exuded. If you're wondering where you have seen the main fella here-he's played a bartender on This Is Us...

Amazing movie, dont listen to the haters

[evanjlorente · 9/10 · 7 January 2021]

This movie while dark, was really refreshing and had me engaged all the way through. It's not predictable and explores morality, forgiveness, and redemption. I was pretty moved emotionally by the end of it. I just picked this movie randomly on Amazon so don't listen to the negative reviews, easily a 9 in my book.

If you eally don't have a story to tell, don't tell it!

[Perald · 2/10 · 20 March 2022]

Characters that leaves you with nothing, and nothing to tell.

An idea gone to waste in tristesse. May be some sense of ...something, but here it is nothing!

Come on in, the water's fine

[jordan2240 · 8/10 · 4 November 2020]

This popped up in my 'movies you might like' list, so I took a chance on it. Really enjoyed it. It's definitely something different, but is a well-acted interesting story, and it even has a decent ending, unlike many films I've seen lately. All of the characters were likeable. Definitely not a formulaic buddy movie.

A vigilante's road to redemption

[jrwhite8 · 10/10 · 17 May 2019]

This is a very cool indie movie about a man who discovers a dark secret and decides to take the law into his own hands. It very much has a "Blue Ruin" feel. It's almost darkly funny throughout. The two lead actors play off of each other well, and Danika Golombek especially is a talent to watch. This film really wowed me, highly recommended.

An Absolute Must See

[jctaqt · 10/10 · 16 May 2019]

The most unlikely of friendships materializes in this thought provoking journey one man finds himself in struggling for redemption. With effortlessly authentic performances by its two lead actors, flawless direction, and photographed with an appropriate sense of heightened realism, this story will draw you in and not let you go until it's finale.

A deep dive in complicated characters

[tomenicholson · 10/10 · 6 November 2019]

This movie uses subtlety, humor and intense subjects to spin a web around your mind, pulling you into the center until you feel like it's all happening to you.

A movie for thinkers

[TEN178 · 10/10 · 10 November 2020]

This is not a typical comic book blockbusters. This is a deep dive into it's characters. It's a move for people who like substance.

dark comedy interesting story

[aratron-00391 · 10/10 · 13 November 2020]

Excellent film. I was rooting for the main character throughout the movie. The actor that played the main character was spot on. He did a fantastic job. Interesting story about dark themes. I would have preferred a different ending.

Unique and Thought-provoking

[kaideneve · 8/10 · 10 April 2021]

Was not expecting to enjoy this movie as much as I did. Caught it on Prime on a lazy Saturday. I love when movies give a deep focus on the characters, and this one does that incredibly well. Certainly the best part of the movie. The main protagonist is fantastically written and acted. Just a very subtle yet powerful performance.

This movie has a simple premise and doesn't try to be more than it is, focusing on the raw emotions of the two main characters throughout. It is a very simple yet touching story of loss, hate, and justice. Pleasantly surprised at this hidden gem. If you're looking for a simple yet moving film, this hits right on the button.

Terrific film!

[craigahrens · 9/10 · 18 June 2021]

I thoroughly enjoyed this gem of a film from beginning to end. I didn't check my iPhone once which never happens, ha-ha! The actors were so good, so believable! I very much enjoyed the story too. I easily give this film a thumb's up!!

Fantastic story that sticks with you!

[againstthenight · 9/10 · 21 June 2021]

Watched this movie after reading Stephen King's tweet - and it did not disappoint. It's a captivating story that sticks with you and Tom Nicholson is fantastic. Looking forward to seeing more from this team!