Ember's analysis
- Pacing
- Measured
- Intensity
- Moderate
- Complexity
- Layered
- Violence
- Mild
- whimsical
- earnest
- eerie
- rainy day
- fantasy movie night
What critics said
Critics broadly found the modern fairy tale contrived and pretentious, with weak suspense and unconvincing supernatural world-building.
What sets it apart
May contain story progression spoilers
Story can only complete her mission when Cleveland organizes the condominium tenants into a protective collective.
Story is explicitly identified as a Narf from bedtime stories, while the condominium becomes the stage for mythic creatures and a return quest.
Cleveland discovers Story in the condominium pool, which functions as her point of arrival from the Blue World.
Story's need to return home is complicated by pursuit from the Scrunt amid the ordinary routines of a residential complex.
Films like Lady in the Water, and why
The Shape of Water
Shared supernatural fantasy, apartment-community setting, earnest mythology, and threatened otherworldly visitor.
The Lure
Shared modern fairy-tale premise, mysterious female supernatural figure, and melancholic humanist fantasy tone.
The Spiderwick Chronicles
Shared bedtime-story sensibility, magical creatures, family-friendly peril, and a community drawn into an enchanted quest.
The Village
Shared suburban supernatural mystery, intimate ensemble, and a blend of wonder with unsettling creature encounters.
Movie Details
- Director
- M. Night Shyamalan
- Release Date
- 2006-07-19
- Runtime
- 110 min
- Rating
- 5.6 / 10 (1548)
Cast
- Paul Giamatti
- Bryce Dallas Howard
- Jeffrey Wright
- Bob Balaban
- Sarita Choudhury
- Cindy Cheung
- M. Night Shyamalan
- Freddy Rodríguez
- Bill Irwin
- Mary Beth Hurt
Where to watch in United States
- Rent
- Amazon Video, Apple TV Store, Google Play Movies, YouTube, Fandango At Home
- Buy
- Amazon Video, Apple TV Store, Google Play Movies, YouTube, Fandango At Home
Streaming options come from TMDB and change over time.
Common questions
- What is Lady in the Water about?
- A troubled condominium superintendent rallies skeptical neighbors to protect a mysterious water-born storyteller from a predatory creature and guide her home.
- What is Lady in the Water like to watch?
- Ember's analysis rates the pacing of Lady in the Water as measured, its intensity as moderate and its storytelling as layered.
- Is Lady in the Water violent?
- Only mildly. Ember rates the violence in Lady in the Water as mild.
- What did critics think of Lady in the Water?
- Critics broadly found the modern fairy tale contrived and pretentious, with weak suspense and unconvincing supernatural world-building.
- Which films are like Lady in the Water?
- Films with a similar feel include The Shape of Water, The Lure, The Spiderwick Chronicles, and The Village.
- How long is Lady in the Water?
- Lady in the Water runs 110 minutes.
- Where can I watch Lady in the Water?
- In United States, Lady in the Water is available to rent or buy from Amazon Video, Apple TV Store, Google Play Movies, YouTube, Fandango At Home.
