The Deep End of the Ocean

Here’s to another review of a film based on a novel (with possible spoilers).
The movie from 1999, The Deep End of the Ocean – is an undeniably moving character study of family ties.
It delves into all types of family relationships, especially marriages, siblings and parent’s relationships with their children. As an only daughter of a single mother, this film truly touched me, as it demonstrated the issues of neglect, emotional abandonment, nervous breakdown, guilt, reconciliation, marriage issues, suicide, trust, and sibling love. It showcases the raw complexities, frustrations, resentments and disappointments that individuals experience within their families, but packaged in a truly extraordinary situation.

As the trailer said, ‘’the struggles that make us stronger’’, and I will always remember the unforgettable line in the film (as they show radical honesty), ‘’I need you to love me’’, and the profound apologies given to certain family members and other characters in the film.

As usual, Michelle Pfeiffer is outstanding as the lead, with Treat Williams’ portrayal of the devastated and protective father; also, believable and heart-wrenching. The boys who play both brothers when they are older, are so remarkably authentic in their angst, uncertainties and aching fears. Whoopi Goldberg’s cop character is a deeply human, compassionate, understanding, and frank one, which adds even further to the open conversations, and necessitated empathetic approach to such a life crisis and circumstance for unparalleled grief, despair and a sense of helplessness.

All unfolding events lead and transpire into the understandable familial tensions and major conflicts throughout the film, which also create a gateway for healing, inner growth, and the inevitably beautiful transformation of minds, opinions, hearts and personal perspectives.

I’m not yet a parent but this film will stick in my mind, as a memorable and worthy depiction of the real worries and concerns of raising a family, and of sustaining a unified marriage.


After watching ‘The Deep End of the Ocean’, I thought to myself (and perhaps you can ask yourself similar questions):

• How did this make me feel about my own relationships and interactions with my family?
• Which character/s did I resonate most with and why?
• What were my thoughts around how each of the characters coped with their traumatic experiences as individuals, and within the context of family?
• What’s my opinion/perception of how Michelle Pfeiffer’s character as a forlorn mother evolved through the course of the film’s denouement, as a more empowered woman with clarity and increased compassion? 

I give this poignant film 4/5 stars.