PopHorror Let's Get Scared
Making his feature film debut, director Samuel Clemens takes viewers on an isolating trip to a house that feels abandoned near the edge of the world. Woven with references to Greek mythology, The Drowned follows three thieves who have just stolen a priceless painting and arrive at a secluded safe house by the sea, only to discover their fourth accomplice is missing. They must question whether one of them was responsible for her disappearance, or if the blame lies with a more sinister presence lurking in the deep water below.
With the promise of mystery starting the film, The Drowned soon begins to tread water as it becomes apparent that there isn’t much going on. Taking place after the aforementioned art heist, the film is set in a singular house with an occasional stroll to the nearby body of water to break the visual monotony. The premise and setting feel better suited for the stage rather than the screen. Film as a medium affords the ability to expand worlds beyond what’s possible in a stationary setting, and that feels underutilized here. The singular setting isn’t interesting enough to warrant spending so much time in the area, as nothing is compelling about it.
The cast works well despite one glaring issue: Paul, played by Michaelangelo Fortuzzi (Tatort 2019-2025), is so poorly acted that any suspense is quickly drained and bled as he struggles to add emotion to his dialogue. While Paul is meant to come off as sarcastic, the line delivery is so wooden and dry that it makes one wonder if he’s being fed his lines as they’re being written. It’s unfortunate as he is meant to be the likeable miscreant of the group, but he lacks any charisma to be afforded this moniker.
A major flaw that bogs down The Drowned is that it can’t distinguish the difference between tension and boredom. Because of what feels like a lack of editing, scenes are plagued with shots in dire need of a trim. There are a few instances where it could be more impactful if scenes didn’t drone on and on and on. There’s a lengthy period in the movie where the characters decide to play a game, so strap in because the viewer is going through the entirety of the game with them.
Rather than providing an atmosphere of dread or gloom, the film feels crushed under the promises of something larger that never comes. There are attempts at a mystique, but the overt announcement of references to Greek mythos ruins any suspicions due to its near-literal adaptation of the subject matter. If the viewer has any reference to Greek mythology, the twist is immediately shattered as the plot is decoded near instantaneously. The movie wants the viewer to keep guessing what’s going on, but only the characters are lost.
With a lack of atmosphere and charm, there isn’t much to keep the viewer interested in this art heist gone wrong. The suspense and intrigue Clemens works so hard to build are met with just confusion and tedium. Sadly, The Drowned feels lost at sea.
