Whether we like it or not, Blumhouse and James Wan have become synonymous with contemporary horror cinema, and each of their productions generates significant buzz. This is certainly the case with “Night Swim,” which quickly became the most-watched film on Prime Video in the United States just hours after its release on the platform.
The picture is based on Bryce McGuire‘s low-budget 2014 short movie of the same name, which went viral on YouTube and helped launch his career as a screenwriter. James Wan acquired the rights to adapt it into a feature film, giving McGuire his directorial debut.
McGuire cited classic productions such as “Creature from the Black Lagoon,” “Jaws,” “Christine,” and “The Night of the Hunter” as inspirations for his creations. He also mentioned that there is an autobiographical element to the story, drawn from his experience growing up in Florida, a state surrounded by the ocean and marked by numerous water-related accidents.
‘Night Swim’ occupies the Top 1 on Prime Video US
Everything James Wan and Jason Blum touch seems to turn to gold. Simply having their names on a film poster is enough to draw large audiences to theaters and then to streaming platforms. “Night Swim” is no exception, quickly becoming the No. 1 movie on Prime Video in the United States, according to FlixPatrol.
Despite being widely regarded as one of the worst horror pictures of the year, it easily outperformed “Mission Impossible – Dead Reckoning” and “One Fast Move” in viewership, even though those titles were the hottest trends this past week. Currently, its only competition is Jennifer Lawrence’s “Passengers,” which has surged in popularity despite being released nearly a decade ago.
“Night Swim” centers around the Waller family, who are looking for a fresh start after Ray, the father, is forced to retire from his baseball career due to multiple sclerosis. They decide to buy a house with a swimming pool, believing it will be beneficial for Ray’s condition. However, the water holds dark secrets far beyond their imagination.
The family is portrayed by Wyatt Russell, Kerry Condon, Amélie Hoeferle, and Gavin Warren, with a supporting cast that includes Jodi Long, Nancy Lenehan, Eddie Martinez, and Elijah J. Roberts.
While the title received poor reviews from critics and mixed reactions from the public, it’s perfect for a spooky sleepover with friends or for passing a boring Sunday night. Just remember, horror quality isn’t Blumhouse and James Wan’s goal—they’re all about creating commercially successful films!