Cinema Scholars presents a review of The Water Man, David Oyelowo’s directorial debut. The film is executive produced by Oprah Winfrey, and stars Lonnie Chavis, Rosario Dawson, Amiah Miller, Alfred Molina, Maria Bello, along with Oyelowo, in a supporting role.
Introduction
There’s a great tradition of family stories in cinema. Usually, the complex dynamics within a family serve as a great starting point for some poignant coming-of-age revelation. Other times family strife sets the stage for a grand adventure that teaches the invaluable lessons that seem almost obligatory in such narratives.
In David Oyelowo’s directorial debut The Water Man, the decorated actor steps behind the camera to tell a fanciful and heartbreaking tale of a young boy grappling with his Mother’s terminal illness.
Synopsis
The Water Man begins with a creepy feel as young Gunner rides his electric scooter through a cemetery, spying on a graveside funeral in progress. Gunner’s family is new to the tight-knit community, and he has taken to exploring all the nooks and crannies of his new hometown as research for his graphic novel.
Befitting of the supernatural themes in his latest project, Gunner discovers that his new town has its own ghost story – the Water Man. Legend has it that back in the town’s mining boom, a worker discovered a glowing stone he didn’t recognize.
Soon after his discovery, the town’s dam has collapsed. Thus, flooding the town, drowning his beloved wife, and dragging her body along with the resulting torrent. According to the tale, the mysterious rock is what caused the miner’s life to be spared, and he was fated to an eternity of searching for his wife. This in hope that the stone would revive her as well.
Gunner hears the story from a local tough girl named “Jo” who claims to have been attacked by the Water Man. Subsequently, he hires her to lead him to the immortal miner, believing that the magical stone is the secret to saving his mom.
Analysis
Based on the Black List script written by first-time feature screenwriter Emma Needell, The Water Man has all the bells and whistles of a great childhood adventure story while hitting the notes of a heavy family drama.
The ailing mother trope paired with an alpha-male dad who misunderstands his brainy son. This sets up an appropriate launching point for Gunner’s sweetly misguided plan. By teaming up with Jo, the edgy outcast, an added layer of camaraderie and unexpected heartache accentuates Gunner’s naivety. Further blurring the lines between the conflicted young man’s reality and imagination.
Oyelowo’s keen eye for detail is evident throughout the film. However, it’s his depiction of Gunner and Jo’s quest through the forest where his talent really shines. Ethereal scenes of wild horse stampedes, mysterious “snow” drifting through majestic trees, and forest dwellings worthy of fairy tales. These images envelop the picture in a fanciful feel and serve as the perfect antidote for the overall dismal tones of the story.
Further Discussion
Back at Gunner’s home, Oyelowo utilizes doors, hallways, and other architectural elements. These elements seem to echo the frames of the young artist’s graphic novel. While at the same time, visually reinforcing the rigidity of his home life with his impatient father.
In other more overt nods to Gunner’s passion, Oyelowo features captivating line drawing animation. This is used to great effect in order to fill in narrative blanks. Thus, adding to the whimsy of the picture.
In addition to the adventure and family themes, it’s worth mentioning that there are more than a few legit horror cues sprinkled throughout the film. Children in peril, indeed! From mobs of creepy crawlers, near-death pratfalls, and a natural disaster to a creepy lullaby and a possible run-in with the undead, The Water Man never lets the audience forget that it all began with a ghost story.
Performances
Oyelowo does double duty in front of the camera playing Gunner’s well-meaning but insensitive father, Amos. As perhaps the most unlikable character of the film, Oyelowo turns in a brutally honest performance.
He aptly captures the cluelessness some parents suffer when dealing with their kids. Not to mention while caring for a sick spouse. Fortunately, a satisfying character arc allows Oyelowo to show another side of Amos. By the end of the film, this additional side rounds out his complicated character nicely.
As Mary, Gunner’s ailing mother, Rosario Dawson is a delight. Even while convincingly portraying someone suffering from terminal illness, her authenticity radiates off the screen. She imbues Mary with quiet resolve that helps anchor the film during the emotional scenes. Dawson provides that inexplicable mom energy that soothes even the achiest heart.
The undeniable star of The Water Man is Lonnie Chavis, whose versatile performance as young Gunner is paramount to the success of such a fanciful, yet heavy film. He perfectly carries the lighter kid stuff then later gnaws away at the darker, more sensitive moments with impressive skill.
The snarky teenage speak is mostly left to capable sidekick Amiah Miller. Miller turns in yet another incredible turn as the defiant Jo. However, it is Chavis’ sweetly earnest portrayal of the conflicted antagonist that is leading man material all the way.
Conclusion
It’s easy to say that The Water Man hits all the right notes, but it’s harder to say for whom. Children will come for the exciting adventure story. However, they might not be able to connect with the heavy narrative or surprising horror elements. Worse, they might be troubled by this.
Adults who assume The Water Man is only for kids will miss out on a valuable exercise in accepting the complexity of life and inevitability of death. For many, The Water Man will resonate as an imaginative family film that doesn’t shy away from life’s hard truths while giving thanks for, “the blessing of loving each other for every day we have.”
The Water Man comes to DVD and Blu-ray on August 17, 2021.
