Deep Water (2016) User Reviews

Distracting Camera Work

[tradairn · 8/10 · 8 August 2020]

I'm only on Episode 3, and so far it's pretty good - the writing and acting are certainly above average...

... but the DIRECTING/CINEMATOGRAPHY! Yikes!

The show has a surfeit of close-ups and extreme close-ups that are distracting in that their use both draws attention to itself and also robs the shots of any emotional power - like a TEXT MESSAGE IN ALL CAPS - they become meaningless after a while. I don't know if this was a stylistic or budgetary choice, but a lot of the intensity of some scenes was seriously curtailed by its overuse.

Show some restraint next time!

Engaging and Enraging

[mskeebe · 8/10 · 6 December 2016]

DS Tori Lustigman (Yael Stone) has returned to her hometown of Bondi to join the police for just in time to catch the brutal murder of a young man who happens to be gay. Her new boss is eager to put the murder down to the act of a spurned lover, but Tori believes the truth goes deeper, connecting it to a string of "gay bashings" stretching back to the 80s. The problem is that no one wants her to take it further, no matter what the evidence tells her. Her own partner wants the case puts to bed, but Tori is a force of nature in her own contained way. Too contained, perhaps. The anger and frustration she holds in is bound to come out in uncontrollable bursts.

Being new to the Bondi police force she hasn't had a chance to be intimidated by the criminal element and the power brokers who may have held an "unhealthy influence" over lawful enforcement over the years. Where no other officers have been able to solve what may in fact be a long series of murders, she may be the only one crazy enough to push forward through all obstacles thrown up in front of her and her reluctant partner.

Yael Stone is excellent as a detective just barely under control, a loving mother, daughter, friend, and grieving sibling. Daniel Spielman is chillingly repulsive as a Nazi-tattooed suspect. Viewers' sympathies have to go out to Noah Taylor as Tori's long- suffering partner Nick, resisting having her back at every turn. One of the most memorable members of the cast is one who gets perhaps the least screen time -- Otis Pavlovic conveys a sweetness and Tori's son with none of the resentment of the modern teenager, even when she appears to overreact to circumstances. The performance is natural and easy, with the connection between the mother and son feeling real. The cast is full of too many talented actors to continue to single them out, but there's nary a wooden boy or scene chewer in the bunch.

So, overall? In the current environment the matter is all too relevant, not a lesson in political correctness. Political profiling, police shootings, hate crimes, racism, and bigotry exploded in the news every day; this story could not be more timely. Put it all together and it made for fascinating watching. It pulled me in so much that I was disappointed to find that there were only four episodes and no word if this was a one- off, or if it would return.

Well, here's hoping.

Pretty Good Show

[steven98664 · 8/10 · 26 July 2017]

This show was pretty good. The plot was complex enough. Some things to distract you. If you like mystery detective shows this one is pretty good. Based in Australia this adds to some interest. Just a different location. The stars are very good. They dig deep into some cultural problems of the past that ends up driving them to the end of the story. I found that part the most interesting.

Enjoyable enough with GREAT location

[dtdenver-987-925546 · 7/10 · 16 May 2019]

It wasn't until the end that I realized that the head thug was none other than our beloved Doctor Blake. Craig McLachlan certainly is versatile. As for the show, I started fast-forwarding through a lot of the woe-is-me scenes. Crisper editing would have done wonders.

Above average, but uneven at the expense of profundity

[BeneCumb · 6/10 · 17 April 2017]

It is natural that Australia, having lengthy (dependent) ties with the UK, aspires to imitate/repeat the latter's success in the field of crime thrillers, stocking it with local nature and habits, sometimes without having any influence to the course of events or effect on scenes. A lot of is also visible in Deep Water where tautness and smoothness are overshadowed by personal issues with references to the past and leisure activities on the beach.

Well, the beginning is intriguing, but the motives and many suspects are revealed too soon, the characters are somewhat arid, the police has seemingly no ranking order in place, and the background of the principal wrongdoer is too trivial and vague for the offences he committed. So the 4 episodes a' 50 minutes are too long and hectic; moreover, I was not pleased with the final events and events leading up to them. In the wide world of English-speaking crime drama series, Deep Water is hardly the one to be classified as "must-watch".

Engaging and diverting, but lacking

[jitterbugranch-30-967293 · 7/10 · 19 November 2016]

I wish I could say more in support of this mystery series. In spite of a credible performance by Yael Stone in the lead, it left me cold. The characters lacked the richness and complexity that would have involved me emotionally, in spite of the plot having the potential to do so. I felt as if I was viewing the horrific events at an emotional distance, but unlike the gorgeous long shots of Bondi Beach, this didn't appear to be an artistic choice but a failure of pacing and writing.

I was disappointed to find that, as ever, a character who expresses an animal rights/welfare interest is one of the antagonists, in this case an accessory to murder. Until compassion and justice trumps corporate sponsorship, that's all we're going to see, I'm afraid.

A gripping Australian mystery set at Bondi Beach

[Tweekums · 8/10 · 19 November 2016]

When a man's body is found in his apartment, that overlooks Sydney's Bondi Beach, detectives Tori Lustigman and Nick Manning are given the case. As the victim was gay the possibility that it was a homophobic attack is one of the main motives they consider. They look into other assaults on gay people, disappearances and deaths that were considered accidents or suicides at the time; one of these 'accidents' is Tori's own brother. Tori is convinced that they could be dealing with a serial killer who could have been active since the '80s… a time when homophobia was more commonplace, especially when news of AIDS first emerged. Her boss is less certain; especially when Tori wants to question a man who is now a prominent sportsman.

This short series was gripping from start to finish. The story developed in an interesting way and the tension rose nicely throughout as the protagonists and some of those close to them were in real danger. Some might find detective Tori Lustigman's close connection to one of the possible victims a bit of a distraction but it didn't bother me; in fact I found it added to the drama. The way the killer used a gay dating App to find his latest victims seemed very current and the links to historic cases is believable. The cast does a solid job, especially Yael Stone and Noah Taylor who play Lustigman and Manning. Given the subject matter there are things that will disturb some viewers… you can't have believably homophobic antagonists if they don't say some pretty nasty things at times. It isn't just the 'bad guys' who have dubious attitudes; we see family members unwilling to acknowledge their son's homosexuality and older police officers who worked at a time when a blind eye was turned to anti-gay assaults. Overall this was a fine murder mystery that fans of a good drama should enjoy.

functional crime drama

[SnoopyStyle · 6/10 · 31 May 2017]

It's Australia Day. Police detectives Tori Lustigman and Nick Manning are assigned the murder of Haris Rexhaj in his Bondi beach condo. He's a young gay Muslim. Tori suspects the homophobic neighbor but her superior directs them to the gay lover Rohan Assad. Rohan fears being deported to Iran. Further investigation uncovers a possible serial killer targeting homosexuals using a gay dating app. Tori is a single mom and new to the force from Goulburn. She is still haunted by a childhood incident with her gay brother.

This is a functional crime drama. There is a bit of ripped-from-the-headlines flavor. It does need a few more ingredients to extend this drama into a compelling 4 hour watch. Tori's childhood incident could have been heightened by doing a flashback. Her recollection of the incident is probably an emotional high point. The other part that needs expanding is the villain of the piece. It needs to make the supervisor a bigger character and more culpable. The story needs more drama and a bit more flavoring.

Sadly, Little Has Changed About Humanity

[macpet49-1 · 9/10 · 5 July 2017]

When I was growing up in the 50s/60s gay people were (if they were at all) portrayed in films/TV as murder victims, murderers, drug addicts or transsexuals. Characters had little depth or empathy. They were shown as merely envious sociopaths wreaking havoc in others' lives. People referred openly to queers, fags, poofs, etc. without rebuke. Jokes abounded.

50/60 years later: Gay people are portrayed in films/TV as murder victims, murderers, drug addicts, transsexuals. Characters have a bit more depth and in comic stories seem almost plausible. But the trend still is that they are more pitiable than real. They (we, in my case) do not lead authentic lives. People still refer to queers, fags, poofs, etc. however only in private with trusted pals who do similar. Jokes still abound but are less cruel. The aging athlete or film star may consider a sex change or write an autobio now that they are wealthy and forgotten by their fans, but in general the Brokeback Mountains are few.

This is a well acted, sincere production. However that it will do any good in this world is a dice toss. Homophobia is still predominant among families, cultures, men, children, press. You can wear a uniform but getting respect will still elude you. Straight people are about conformity. No ticky, no laundry.

High heel boots...Really?

[Grigsby3 · 22 December 2020]

How is this diminutive detective (played by Yael Stone) supposed to run down bad guys in boots with 3 inch heels. Why couldn't the director just accept she's only 5 feet tall and let her wear sneakers? Is there some sort of cinematographic rule against letting short people be short? Ironic because the director seemingly has no problem repeatedly filming closeups of her dwarfish, stubby fingers.

Okay

[Calicodreamin · 6/10 · 4 January 2021]

A solidly okay series, the storyline was interesting if not a bit drawn out. The first two episodes introduced a lot of characters which made it hard to keep track of events. The last two episodes wrapped up nicely, but could have been shorter. Overall good cinematography and decent acting. Characters didn't have much depth.

Deepwater Horizon.

[morrison-dylan-fan · 10/10 · 9 January 2017]

Ordering the 2002 Aussie Comedy The Nugget for a family friend,I asked if there were any other Aussie titles that they were after.Whilst checking up other Aussie flicks,I got told about a 4- part Aussie Noir mini-series currently airing on the BBC. Finding a number of Aussie Noir (which include The Rover and Square) to be incredibly gritty,I decided to swim into the dark waters of Aussie Noir.

View on the mini-series:

Closely based on what is still a partly unsolved case, (with there being 88 "gay-hate" victims whose deaths remain unsolved) director Shawn Seet & cinematographer Bruce Young sway between the pristine present and the Disco lights of the 80's. Cruising into the gay underground scene of the 80's,Seet rolls out a tense Aussie Noir atmosphere,where the dazzling lights from the discos are unable to reach the corners where the killer lurks.

Turning the Disco lights off,Seet gives the present a stylish shine,as slow motion and jagged tracking shots pull the past up with Lustigman. Bringing the past back into focus, Seet and Young pour ultra-stylised blood-red water over the present to reflect the murky dealing hidden underneath.

Examining the attitude cops have towards gays,the script by Kris Wyld and Kym Goldsworthy cuts deep into the homophobia under the "clean" veneer of the police,via the dialogue having a confrontation edge perfectly fitting the cops wanting to be seen as Noir "tough guys."

Whilst the mentions of her divorce feel well-worn,the writers give Lustigman and Manning a magnetic evil under the sun mood,where modern tech (such as a dating app) are cleverly used to coil the murders of the past into the fading sun of the present.

Attempting to turn from the Aussie Noir rules of the "old boys club" Noah Taylor gives a fantastic performance as Nick Manning,who Taylor threads with a focus of solving the case,whilst staying in the good books with "the boys."

Causing a ripple across the deep water, Yael Stone gives an excellent performance as Lustigman,thanks to Stone striking a gritty emotional gravitas over uncovering the full events that led to the death of her brother,as Lustigman finds herself at the Aussie Noir deep end.

An easy watch

[gallagherkellie · 6/10 · 1 March 2022]

There wasn't much mystery to it, it didn't really have twists. The acting was decent but I would have liked a bit more character development/back story of the 2 main cops.

It wasn't bad, and for 4 episodes it was entertaining enough.

Frustrating series

[RockyMtnVideo · 5/10 · 26 May 2018]

I caught this on Netflix, and watched it mostly because of some of the key cast members. It started out well, and the core story was engaging, but it (in my opinion) went sideways about half-way into the series, due to the ridiculously written police officer roles.

If you can look past a handful of police officers doing one stupid thing after another (especially the main character), then it's a pretty decent crime drama. If you find it problematic that the police do "really dumb things", which literally get people (unnecessarily) killed, as well as putting their whole investigation in jeopardy, and then seem to not learn any lessons from their repeated, boneheaded actions, then you probably need to skip it.

Engaging but......

[s3276169 · 8/10 · 3 December 2016]

Deep Water is, for the most part, an engaging Australian crime/thriller series with a qualifier.....

In my opinion there's a discernible thread of rather brittle, well worn political correctness that would have best been discarded in favour of a more down to earth approach. The key character is buttoned up to a degree that undermines the simple, flawed humanity we all share. Instead she comes across as a poster boy (oops I mean girl) for the kind of saccharine, intolerant, tolerance, we have all been force fed by big government and its mainstream media stooges, over the last 20 or so years.

Her colleague, who seems infinitely more real as a person, is often a sounding board for her somewhat prickly "tut-tutting". Its a shame what, I feel, is a timid, almost apologetic, approach to scripting, has been adopted. Mainly because, in all other respects, Deep Water is a very engaging, intelligently written and well acted mini series.

In summary another decent Aussie series that has an important message about intolerance which, I believe, would have benefited from a more open and down to earth approach. Still a worthy watch. Eight out of ten from me.

She's good

[andreidreglea · 9/10 · 11 February 2019]

Finally some cop who knows how to shoot in the hand, not kill the antagonist!! Good job here!

Annoyingly Overdramatic

[norrismc · 4/10 · 23 March 2019]

I'm only on episode 2, and so many parts of the storyline are unnecessary and just annoying. **Possible Spoilers**

1) The "drama" around the shooting of Asad: He had a knife; she was dumb enough to get close to him, allow him to grab her, & put the knife to her throat; and then they create all of this false tension about her opinion that it was a bad shoot. It wasn't. Makes her seem like the dumbest, most naive cop. I actually liked that they told her she was going to have to repeat basic training/defensive measures; seems she needs it. 2) Why do all of these shows make a point of having the single woman/police officer be a mother, but they're never actually present to take care of/be responsible for their kid(s)? They're used at plot points to try & up the drama - b/c, of course, they almost always get in danger, become threatened - but that's the only time they seem to exist.

Not impressed so far at all by her character. (And why do they have her working in those high-heeled shoes? Ridiculous.) I do think Noah Taylor is good though, so that's one redeeming aspect of this show.

Ultimately disappointing

[robbierobinson · 4/10 · 9 December 2017]

Yael Stone is either not a very good actress or miscast. She is not convincing or believable. The black leather jacket she wears looks silly and the high heel boots are ridiculous. She is chasing and fighting bad guys in boots she can barely walk in? The story is interesting and the show has some moments but it could have been much better.

A mini series exhumed from the vault

[hedley-finger · 1/10 · 23 May 2020]

Deep Water is redolent of 1960s Australian police procedurals such as Homicide or Cop Shop. The script is a rollcall of cliches: the upstart newbie, her job-weary senior detective, the obstructive old-school station chief, the migrant family all speaking in halting Pidgin English. None of the cast or the scriptwriters appears to have done any field research with real-life police. Poor direction, bad acting, and pedestrian cinematography. The treatment by police of homosexuals' deaths at Bondi's famous cliffs was a scandal for decades and deserves a better treatment than this to educate the present day.

Not written, cast, or directed well enough to guide viewers

[rgclosson-568-232001 · 5/10 · 18 May 2019]

I suppose my title is as much a comment on me as the show. Only four episodes long, this series is confusing with multiple similar characters and intertwining subplots. Maybe this just an accurate reflection of true cop cases - many shades of gray and inferential evidence with few clearcut leads - but it doesn't make for good viewing. Maybe it's just my Pooh-brain too dithered to keep track of them all, but not for lack of experience.

Dimwit detective story

[voltan-64423 · 1/10 · 20 August 2020]

Take one stubborn, thick-headed, sermonising lady police detective who unnecessarily gets people killed and nearly-killed in the course of an investigation she should not be pursuing anyway because of an obvious personal conflict and add a director who seems oblivious to just how irritating the lead character is. You find yourself in Deep Water. The story becomes secondary to the psychopathy of the lead and the lack of principle of the supporting characters. Don't have anything to hand which you might throw at the screen.

Disappointing

[caeevans · 4/10 · 4 March 2019]

I took a look at this an Netflix because of the cast, but it just wasn't believable and didn't flow well. And the lead female detective was definitely miscast, particularly when you think someone who is about 29/ 30 is supposed to have a 16 y.o. son....

Oh look Bondi Beach, but where's the acting?

[stevelomas-69401 · 5/10 · 19 January 2020]

Australia can do better this and so can both the leads. The setting is pretty but the story is pedestrian and the acting is wooden.

Did someone say "Dimwit"?

[jiballini64 · 2/10 · 6 December 2020]

That sums it up perfectly. The lead female cop character is immensely stupid and/or annoying. As stated by another reviewer, she's a single mother that seems to attend to the child rarely (on 24/7 stakeouts, it seems ALONE). She does one daft thing after another and halfway through episode 2 I couldn't take any more. Noah Taylor should know better! Not sure if it's just me (and I'm an Aussie) but it seemed like every character was trying for Super Aussie-fied. All boiled down to bloody annoying.

Disappointing

[grahamf-55542 · 4/10 · 2 March 2022]

At times I thought this was a competent drama, but reflecting on the whole series now I feel it was somewhat less than that. The story was uneven, seemed to have too many characters, and none of the main players were convincing.

I felt cheated at the end. Not recommended.