In a thrilling venture that marks another collaboration between horror aficionados James Wan and Jason Blum, “Night Swim” emerges as the latest supernatural sensation to hit the silver screen. Inspired by Bryce McGuire‘s hauntingly captivating short film from 2014, this full-length feature promises to draw audiences into its eerie depths, now showing in cinemas worldwide.
Origins of a Nightmarish Vision
The journey of “Night Swim” from a viral YouTube short to a cinematic masterpiece began in the backyard of none other than Grammy-winning artist Michelle Branch. Directed by Bryce McGuire, the original short featured Megalyn Echikunwoke in a gripping tale of a simple evening swim turned sinister. Captivating Judson Scott, EVP at Atomic Monster, the short film’s unique blend of mystery and horror soon caught the attention of James Wan, “It was abundantly clear from watching the short that Bryce was a gifted filmmaker with a command of craft and tone,” Wan, co-producer for Night Swim the movie, says. “The story it told was so mysterious and evocative, and Bryce had a compelling vision for how it could be turned into something bigger, stranger and scarier while also being emotionally resonant.”
A Collaborative Spectacle of Horror
Jason Blum, of Blumhouse Productions says, “What I liked about Bryce’s script was how it fleshed out the premise of a ‘spooky swimming pool’ in a credible, relatable, emotional way that felt contemporary and relatable yet classical at the same time.” This project marks another successful collaboration between Blum and Wan, following their joint success with the 2022 blockbuster, “M3GAN.”
The Menace Beneath the Surface
“Night Swim” reimagines the quintessential suburban leisure—swimming in a backyard pool—as a conduit for demonic terror. The film pays homage to the eerie charm of 1980s horror classics, such as “Poltergeist” and “Pet Sematary,” while infusing it with the innovative and sinister storytelling Wan and Blum are renowned for. Director McGuire explains, “It’s sexy; it’s seductive, and that’s what makes it deadly. The colors are rich and vibrant; the cool glowing turquoise water invites us like a siren call. But in the water, when the lights go out, it feels big. I also loved the idea of tapping into the universal memories we all have with the pool from our childhoods – reaching into the drain flap, skimming out dead bugs from the surface, getting your leg caught in the pool cleaner tube, playing Marco Polo – and turning these memories into unique scares.
An Experience Not to Be Missed
“Night Swim” stands as a testament to the power of collaboration among some of the most influential minds in the horror genre. Distributed by Universal Pictures International, the film invites audiences to experience a chilling journey that promises not just to scare but to resonate on a deeply emotional level. As McGuire puts it, “I would always say on set, ‘I want to smell the chlorine.’ I hope people smell the chlorine when they watch this movie on a big screen.”
“Night Swim” is not just a movie; it’s an immersive experience. Now showing in cinemas, this supernatural thriller beckons you to brave the waters and uncover what truly lies beneath the surface. #NightSwimMovie
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