The Drowned – Movie Review (2/5)

THE DROWNED is a new supernatural creature thriller that I had high hopes for, but which did not work for me. Part of it was the slow-burn story, but a repetitive element was what ruined it for me. Read our full The Drowned movie review here!

THE DROWNED is a new thriller with a supernatural element from Greek mythology. Now, that’s actually something I usually enjoy. At first, this movie worked for me as well, but then it just dragged out and turned into something I was hoping would end soon.

If you’ve read a review or two here on Heaven of Horror, you’ll realize I always try to find something positive in anything. And yes, this one isn’t without something good. In fact, I enjoyed the first act quite a lot. And then it lost me.

Continue reading our The Drowned movie review below. Find it on digital now.

Three thieves and Greek mythology

With The Drowned, it all begins when a group of thieves is trying to get away with having stolen a priceless painting. The group consists of four thieves, but only three of them arrive at the secluded safe house by the sea.

Their fourth accomplice is missing, and a series of strange events will come next. Not least in the pursuit of truth. Mainly, whether one of the remaining three thieves is responsible for the fourth, now missing.

Is there honor among thieves? Well, not really in the story of The Drwoned, but it doesn’t matter in any case. The enemy will be coming from the outside… and will be inspired by Greek mythology.

Pursuasive women from the sea

When three women suddenly appear at this safe house, currently inhabited by the three men who just got away with the heist of their dreams, one should be on guard.

I mean, three women showing up out of nowhere, near the sea, would always make me nervous. When they soon manage to convince the three men to do their bidding, we’re deep into the Greek mythology of sirens.

In theory, I like this plot. However, as it’s executed in The Drowned, it didn’t work for me at all. Also, when the camera panned over the surface of the water to zoom in on the house for the third time, I was getting pretty damn annoyed.

Look, I get it, you love that shot. It was, admittedly, a nice shot. Especially the first time, which is the only time we needed to see it, as the repetitions brought nothing new to the story.

Watch The Drowned on Digital now

This is the feature film debut of writer and director Samuel Clemens, who has previously worked a lot with podcasts. Clearly, there is some passion and talent there, but also a need to work on keeping things interesting and to better manage pacing.

The Drowned stars Alan Calton, Lara Lemon, Lily Catalifo, Dominic Vulliamy, Corrinne Wicks, Michelangelo Fortuzzi, and Sandrine Salyères. The actors do what the script and director demand, but most of the 1 hour 24 minute runtime didn’t do much for me.

Earlier, the movie was known as The Waterhouse and premiered in London at FrightFest Halloween. As much as I wasn’t happy with this movie, I’m certain others will find something to enjoy. Check it out if the trailer speaks to you.

The Drowned will be available on Digital Download in the UK on October 6, the U.S. on October 7, and in ANZ from October 8, 2025.

Details

Director: Samuel Clemens
Writer: Samuel Clemens
Cast: Alan Calton, Dominic Vulliamy, Michelangelo Fortuzzi, Lara Lemon