New films are coming out rather frequently to our delight, and David Oyelowo’s directorial debut is set to drop next month.
Lonnie Chavis in The Water Man / Picture Credit: RLJE Films
Many people seem confused, however, as the movie seems to be a horror and a light-hearted adventure; but can it be both?
The trailer for The Water Man begins with a moving drawing, a rather eerie and classic way to introduce what will become the villain of this movie. We hear a small explanation as to what The Water Man is, and why he still lingers around the waters in the woods.
Gunner’s (Lonnie Chavis) mother Mary (Rosario Dawson) is ill, and their recent move has seemingly made her even worse than she was before, which worries both the young boy and his father, Amos (David Oyelowo).
Upon learning of this folklore tale, he decides to go and look for this mysterious man. It is said that The Water Man has powers, ways of healing people; so Gunner goes to someone who says she knows all about him in order to save his mother.
Jo (Amiah Miller) claims she is the only one that can find him, so Gunner enlists her help.
While this plot seems simple enough and has a great young protagonist and a burning reason for him to endanger himself, the trailer sends mixed signals.
The start of the teaser brings an unnerving feeling to the movie, as the black and white drawing comes to life and a sinister voice explains the Water Man fable. However, it also shows Gunner and Jo in the woods together playing and laughing, coupled with upbeat and hopeful music; among other such scenes.
While the latter evokes joy and optimism, we simply wonder if a supposed horror can be combined with a story of hope in a successful way.
Of course in many horror films, the characters often wish to get out alive and hope they can make it through the ordeal they’ve found themselves in; but here, it seems that the movie swaps between the horror genre and a feel-good film about making the best of certain situations.
The creepy piano music definitely sets the tone for a potentially sinister story, but is suddenly cut and replaced with upbeat music representing a somewhat optimistic journey that Gunner will face. This is odd as we know that is not the case as the youngster faces a dark and brooding force.
The Water Man seems like it will be worth the watch based on only the mysterious villain and horror aspects; but it is a shame that the trailer seems rather muddled, when it should have stuck the original and almost macabre vibe the film set in the first minute or so.
Keep your eyes peeled for The Water Man, which is currently scheduled to release on May 7th, 2021.
Check out the trailer for The Water Man below!
Written by Melissa, who you can follow on Twitter @melissajournal
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