Ana de Armas delivered a very different kind of excitement three years ago in the 2022 erotic thriller Deep Water, which is now available for streaming. Directed by Adrian Lyne, known for hits like Fatal Attraction and 9 ½ Weeks, the film offers a sultry and suspenseful experience centered on a troubled marriage. Featuring Ana de Armas and Ben Affleck, the movie portrays a couple whose complex relationship is fueled by jealousy and manipulation, capturing viewers with intense chemistry and psychological games.
Deep Water, based on Patricia Highsmith’s novel, found itself delayed by the COVID-19 pandemic and ultimately bypassed theatrical release to debut on Hulu, where it remains accessible for streaming. For fans of Ana de Armas thriller projects, this film provides a gripping blend of eroticism and psychological intrigue that revisits classic themes in a modern setting.
The Story Behind the Murky Marriage
The plot of Deep Water focuses on Vic and Melinda Van Allen, a seemingly perfect couple with a turbulent relationship rooted in an open marriage arrangement. The emotional tension and underlying jealousy create a dangerous dynamic marked by mind games and power struggles. The real-life past relationship between Ben Affleck and Ana de Armas adds a layer of authenticity to their on-screen interactions, intensifying the film’s charged atmosphere.
“Based on the celebrated novel by famed mystery writer Patricia Highsmith, Deep Water takes us inside the marriage of picture-perfect Vic (Affleck) and Melinda (Armas) Van Allen to discover the dangerous mind games they play and what happens to the people that get caught up in them.”
Meldinda, with her provocative and complex portrayal by Ana de Armas, embodies a character that is both captivating and unsettling, making the film compelling despite its uneven critical reception.
Ana de Armas’ Performance Draws Attention Amid Mixed Reviews
While Deep Water holds only a 35% critic rating on Rotten Tomatoes and a 25% audience score, Ana de Armas’ performance stands out as the film’s highlight. Her depiction of Melinda balances sympathy and menace, engaging viewers through the character’s multifaceted personality. The thriller is an intense and entertaining watch, especially for those intrigued by psychological twists and adult themes.
Aside from Deep Water, Ana de Armas continues to appear in a variety of roles. She stars in Ballerina, a John Wick spin-off now streaming on Starz, which showcases her action capabilities. Additionally, she appears in Eden, a survival thriller directed by Ron Howard and featuring Sydney Sweeney. Despite its historical and tense storyline, Eden did not perform well at the box office and remains unavailable on streaming services, though digital rental and purchase options are offered. Meanwhile, a planned supernatural thriller involving Ana de Armas and Tom Cruise has been postponed indefinitely, leaving its future uncertain.
Supporting Cast and Creative Team
Deep Water also features actors such as Lil Rel Howery, Michael Braun, and Dash Mihok in supporting roles that contribute to the film’s complicated narrative. Under Adrian Lyne’s direction, the film echoes the stylized, suspense-filled storytelling of his previous works, reinforcing the film’s distinct place in the erotic thriller genre.
Why ‘Deep Water’ Remains a Relevant Watch
Despite its flaws and a mixed response from critics and viewers, Deep Water offers a fresh look at relationship dynamics filled with danger and seduction, qualities that remain compelling for fans of psychological thrillers. Ana de Armas thriller projects, including this film, showcase her versatility and ability to navigate complex characters within tense and uncertain environments. Streaming options allow new audiences to experience the film’s unique combination of eroticism and suspense, positioning Deep Water as a significant title worth revisiting in Ana de Armas’ filmography.
