Movie Review by Nigel A. Messenger
Starring: Harrison Ford, Michelle Pfeiffer, Diana Scarwid, Dan Block
Director: Robert Zemeckis
WHAT LIES BENEATH does not only refer to the obvious supernatural reference, but also asks what lies beneath a relationship, and more poignantly a person’s character.
Claire (Michelle Pfeiffer) is happily married to Dr Norman Spencer (Harrison Ford), the head of a university research unit. Life is changing as their daughter moves away from home to start college, and the couple settle into their new home a lakeside property which has recently been completely renovated, as it used to belong to Harrison Ford’s late father. Spending a little too much time alone in the house, Claire begins to hear and see strange happenings. Is the house haunted, or is she losing her sanity?
She becomes suspicious of new neighbours, questioning the apparently unhappy wife’s whereabouts, wondering if her ghost is trying to contact her. As the story unfolds the roots of the supernatural disturbances become far more complex. To tell you anymore of the storyline would only spoil the surprise along the way.
It’s enough to say that WHAT LIES BENEATH is a complex supernatural thriller carefully paced throughout, taking the time to let the audience get to know the main characters, and building to a superb watery climax.
Oh yes ‘watery’ is the word. I will give away the fact that anytime water is around in the picture ‘something’ will probably happen.
Be prepared to sit on the edge of your seat right the way through this excellent movie.
