What Lies Below

What Lies Below is a 2020 American horror-thriller film directed and written by Braden R. Duemmler. The film features a talented ensemble cast that includes Ema Horvath, Troy Iwata, and Danny Corbo. The movie takes us on a chilling journey steeped in suspense, secrets, and looming terror.

The central narrative revolves around the character Liberty, a socially uncomfortable 16-year-old, portrayed brilliantly by Ema Horvath. She returns home from two months at an archaeological dig to find her mother Michelle, experiencing the new throes of romantic love. This initiates one of the many layers of tension that encompass the storyline. One unexpectedly awkward moment ensues when Liberty meets Michelle's charming and enigmatic fiancé John Smith, played by Trey Tucker.

John appears as a disarmingly attractive and intelligent man with an unnaturally robust knowledge in a range of disciplines from cooking to physical training, but his expertise as a freshwater biologist and his affinity for the water shines particularly. His character seems too good to be true, especially when he immediately starts taking an interest in Liberty and her aspirations. But there's something not quite right about him; there's a sense of discomfort and uncanny mystery that surrounds him. It's this underlying menace that drives the narrative, with viewers sharing in Liberty's apprehension and intrigue.

Liberty's best friend, Marley, a quirky and free-spirited character portrayed by Troy Iwata, and her little brother, Max, played by Danny Corbo, provide some balance to the progressive dread with their characters' light-heartedness and innocence.

While Liberty initially seems skeptical, she begins to appreciate John’s interest in her aspirations to study archaeology. He seems too eager to help, leading her to question his real motives. As Liberty starts to piece together the bizarre puzzle of John's nature, she plunges deeper into a world where instinct meets paranoia, and things are not as they seem.

The film expertly combines elements from the thriller, science fiction, and horror genres. It plays out like a slow burn, gradually building tension, while keeping the viewers on edge, all the while encapsulating an eerie ambience featuring sinister secrets, cryptic clues, and invasive trips to the lake. The elements of aquatic life and science also serve as effective metaphors in the film, drawing an uncanny link between human bonds and marine biology.

The movie's portrayal of relationships - especially the mother-daughter dynamic - is another compelling exploration, intensified by the strain of an outsider coming into the family circle. One of the significant themes that the film explores is the stranger-in-the-household trope typical to many thriller films. Although not novel, this theme is explored in unique and nerve-wracking ways in What Lies Below, as it portrays the creeping fear of a loved one not being who they appear.

Taking inspiration from classic unease-inducing thrillers, What Lies Below also breaks new ground in its exploration of these recurrent themes in horror. Liberty's character exhibits undertones of adolescence — rushing into adulthood, but still holding onto childhood, which adds another layer of complexity to the narrative.

What Lies Below does a fantastic job of keeping viewers guessing, layering elements of mystery, horror, and thriller as the plot unfolds. The disturbingly picturesque settings, which include the family's lake-facing home, add another dimension of eerie beauty that enhances the film's chilling premise anchoring its strong sense of place and mood. Notably, the cinematography and tight editing work in unison to create a tense film experience, with lots of close-ups and carefully composed shots that build to an alarming climax.

While the pacing may feel slow in parts, the story more than compensates with an increasingly ominous atmosphere and a narrative that keeps you guessing until the very end. The performances, particularly that of Ema Horvath, are commendable, embodying their roles with sincerity.

In conclusion, What Lies Below is a compelling piece of cinema that carefully explores the fear of the unknown, going beyond the surface to discover what truly lies beneath. For viewers who appreciate gripping narratives brimming with suspense, unanticipated twists, and nerve-racking revelations, What Lies Below promises a riveting and unsettling viewing experience.