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The Deep End

The Deep End

How far would you go to protect your family?

2001101 minRMidcredits score: 64th percentile of all films
Directors
David Siegel, Scott McGehee
Starring
Tilda Swinton, Goran Visnjic, Jonathan Tucker, Josh Lucas

With her husband Jack perpetually away at work, Margaret Hall raises her children virtually alone. Her teenage son is testing the waters of the adult world, and early one morning she wakes to find the dead body of his gay lover on the beach of their rural lakeside home. What would you do? What is rational and what do you do to protect your child? How far do you go and when do you stop?

Where to watch

Where can I watch The Deep End?

As of October 24, 2026, MovieCove does not list The Deep End on any major US streaming service.

Your rating, lists and review

Highlights

What stands out about The Deep End?

The Deep End earns 5 badges, led by Standout acting and Crowd Pleaser.

  • Reception
  • Craft and mood
  • Awards and box office

Reception

Is The Deep End worth watching?

The Deep End's Midcredits score is the 64th percentile of all films, from 18K ratings across 6 sources. 58% liked it (rated it 7 or higher out of 10).

Midcredits score

How well it was received

64th percentile

Better received than 64% of films

66th percentile among Crime62nd percentile among 2000s
Acclaim (how much people like it)63rd
Approval (how many liked it)63rd

65 /100

63rd percentile of all films

66th percentile among Crime62nd percentile among 2000s

Critics 78 · Audience 64

Critics liked it more than audiences did.

Rating distribution

A broad spread centered near 6.6 — solid but not unanimous.

58% liked it

63rd percentile of all films

64th percentile among Crime61st percentile among 2000s
58% rated it 7–1042% rated it 1–6

Critics 82% · Audience 59%

On Rotten Tomatoes, a bigger share of critics approved than audiences.

Awards

0 Oscars won · 0 Oscar noms · 3 wins / 17 noms overall

  • NominatedGolden Globes· Best Performance by an Actress in a Motion Picture - Drama

86th percentile

18K ratings across platforms

83rd percentile among Crime79th percentile among 2000s
TMDB popularity, last 37 days to Oct 26

Box office

Budget$3M
Opening weekend$142K
Domestic gross$8.8M
Worldwide gross$10M

Returned 3.3× its budget — 77th percentile earner in its genre.

What reviewers say

Common ground

A mother's instinct to protect her gay son drives a noirish thriller about blackmail, cover-up, and the quiet unraveling of a picture-perfect suburban life.

Fans praised

  • Tilda Swinton's powerhouse performance as a fiercely protective mother under duress
  • atmospheric cinematography capturing Lake Tahoe's cold beauty and noir mood
  • taut, character-driven storytelling that builds quiet tension

Detractors panned

  • illogical plot hinging on the mother's inexplicable failure to ask her son a single question
  • ludicrous premise of dumping a body in shallow, crystal-clear water
  • unconvincing romantic turn by the blackmailer that drains all suspense

What stands out

ActingDivisive85

Tilda Swinton's controlled, understated performance as a mother under siege

Cinematography80

lush, award-winning photography of Lake Tahoe's icy blues and reflective surfaces

AtmosphereDivisive70

cold, noir-ish tone sustained by Tahoe setting and water imagery

CharactersDivisive50

well-drawn mother but flat son and poorly motivated blackmailer

TensionDivisive45

initial Hitchcockian promise fades as plot holes and sentimental turns defuse suspense

PacingDivisive45

deliberate first half drags into plodding middle before rushed conclusion

Plot and storyDivisive35

premise collapses under the weight of implausible decisions and convenient coincidences

EndingDivisive35

predictable, contrived resolution that polarizes viewers between moving and laughable

Preferred by

Women vs men

Preferred by Men

Men scored it 10 points higher than women.

No notable difference between the other groups: each pair ranks it within 10 percentile points.

  • Critics vs users 6 points apart
  • US vs non-US 8 points apart

Watch experience

What is The Deep End like to watch?

Conclusions only — categories and positions, no plot detail.

Food for thought: browse every movie of this kind

Watch this when you are ready for heavy feelings, and you want something to think about afterwards.

It is intense, takes its time and leaves you thinking. Skip it when you want an easy night or you want things to move fast.

ToneFeelDemandwhat the answer rests onexact position · filled zone: the category

What it asks of you

Room for heavy feelings and patience.

What it feels like

Food for thought.

Moods
TenseMelancholic
Heaviest: late
Register
Solemn: Grave and dignified; treats its subject with weight and respect.Tender · 13% of films
Told as
Three-act: Setup, confrontation, resolution — the default Hollywood shape.
ToneThe film takes its maternal-protector premise seriously, playing the escalating tension straight without irony.
The rideThe film maintains a quiet tension throughout, with the emotional pressure peaking when Margaret confronts the blackmailer's demands.
StructureConventional linear narrative centered on a single protagonist's escalating crisis.

How it leaves you

what you carry away

Thinking.

The answer rests on this: Thought-provokingHaunting · 14% of films
Why it leaves you this wayThe film's quiet moral questions about maternal boundaries stay with the viewer.
How it ends · evidence
Bittersweet ending

Story archetype

where it sits among all films
Monster — 21% of films. A threat menaces the hero's world and must be defeated.Rags — 3% of films. A rise from lowliness to fortune, status, or recognition.Quest — 10% of films. A journey toward a defined objective, with companions and obstacles.Voyage — 4% of films. Into a strange world and back again, changed.Comedy — 11% of films. Confusion and cross-purposes resolved into harmony.Tragedy — 9% of films. A flaw or fixation drives the protagonist to ruin.Rebirth — 13% of films. A stalled or darkened life reopened and renewed.Mystery — 7% of films. A question drives the story — who did it, what happened, what is real — until it is answered.No archetype — 22% of filmsPredator — 6% of films. A creature or killer hunts the protagonists (Jaws, Alien).Tyrant — 6% of films. A human villain holds power over the hero's world (Die Hard).Invasion — 2% of films. An external force attacks the home or world (Independence Day).Oppressive state — 2% of films. A government, its agencies or a secret faction inside them is the monster (V for Vendetta).Corporate villainy — 1% of films. A company or its bosses are the monster (Erin Brockovich).Institutional injustice — 1% of films. A court, prison, police force, school or church is itself the enemy (Spotlight).Class system — under 1% of films. The gap between rich and poor, or a rigid hierarchy, is the monster (Parasite).Technology turns — under 1% of films. Technology people rely on becomes the threat (The Terminator).Inner demon — 1% of films. The monster is within — addiction, illness, a dark double.Underdog triumph — 2% of films. Rise through competition or contest (Rocky).Social ascent — under 1% of films. A climb in class or status (Pretty Woman).Fame and fortune — under 1% of films. An artistic or showbiz rise (A Star Is Born).Rise and fall — under 1% of films. Wealth or power gained, self lost (Scarface).Hidden worth revealed — under 1% of films. The protagonist's true value finally recognized.Treasure hunt — 1% of films. Retrieve an object of value (Raiders of the Lost Ark).Rescue — 4% of films. Retrieve or save a person (Saving Private Ryan).Mission — 5% of films. Accomplish or destroy a defined objective (Mission: Impossible).Journey home — under 1% of films. The goal is getting back (Finding Nemo).Pilgrimage — 1% of films. The journey itself transforms; the destination is symbolic.Portal fantasy — under 1% of films. Transported into another world (The Wizard of Oz).Fish out of water — 2% of films. Displaced into an unfamiliar social world (Elf).Survival ordeal — 1% of films. Trapped in a hostile environment, fighting back (Cast Away).Time displacement — under 1% of films. Unstuck in time (Back to the Future).Descent — 1% of films. A night-journey into an underworld or subculture (After Hours).Romantic comedy — 4% of films. Lovers kept apart by confusion, united at last.Comedy of errors — 3% of films. Mistaken identity or misunderstanding drives the plot.Farce — 2% of films. Escalating absurd chaos and coincidence (The Hangover).Buddy comedy — 1% of films. A mismatched pair forced together (Rush Hour).Comedy of manners — 1% of films. Social codes and class satirized (Clueless).Hubris — 1% of films. Pride or ambition invites the fall (There Will Be Blood).Obsession — 2% of films. A fixation consumes the protagonist (Black Swan).Corruption arc — 2% of films. Step-by-step moral decay (The Godfather).Doomed love — 2% of films. Love destroyed by circumstance (Brokeback Mountain).Crushed by fate — 3% of films. Destroyed by forces beyond the protagonist's control.Redemption — 3% of films. Moral reawakening of a hardened soul (A Christmas Carol).Healing — 5% of films. Recovery from grief or trauma (Good Will Hunting).Liberation — 2% of films. Breaking free of a confining life (Room).Second chance — 2% of films. A stagnant life re-opened to love or purpose (Groundhog Day).Puzzle — 1% of films. A clue-by-clue puzzle you can try to solve before the reveal (Knives Out, Clue).Investigation — 5% of films. A long pursuit of the truth that may never be fully solved (Zodiac, Memories of Murder).Enigma — 2% of films. The mystery is what is real, or what is actually happening (Mulholland Drive).MonsterPredator
Every story archetype, clockwise from the top
  • Monster 21% (this title): Predator 6% (this title) · Tyrant 6% · Invasion 2% · Oppressive state 2% · Corporate villainy 1% · Institutional injustice 1% · Class system under 1% · Technology turns under 1% · Inner demon 1%
  • Rags 3%: Underdog triumph 2% · Social ascent under 1% · Fame and fortune under 1% · Rise and fall under 1% · Hidden worth revealed under 1%
  • Quest 10%: Treasure hunt 1% · Rescue 4% · Mission 5% · Journey home under 1% · Pilgrimage 1%
  • Voyage 4%: Portal fantasy under 1% · Fish out of water 2% · Survival ordeal 1% · Time displacement under 1% · Descent 1%
  • Comedy 11%: Romantic comedy 4% · Comedy of errors 3% · Farce 2% · Buddy comedy 1% · Comedy of manners 1%
  • Tragedy 9%: Hubris 1% · Obsession 2% · Corruption arc 2% · Doomed love 2% · Crushed by fate 3%
  • Rebirth 13%: Redemption 3% · Healing 5% · Liberation 2% · Second chance 2%
  • Mystery 7%: Puzzle 1% · Investigation 5% · Enigma 2%
  • No archetype 22%

Overcoming the monster: A threat menaces the hero's world and must be defeated. · Predator: A creature or killer hunts the protagonists (Jaws, Alien).

21% of films fit this archetype

Why this archetypeA mother's instinct to protect her son drives her to cover up a death and confront a blackmailer, turning the predator into an unlikely ally.

What it's about

7 groups · 53 themes
Bonds — 27% of filmsSelf — 22% of filmsPower — 7% of filmsMorality — 16% of filmsSurvival — 15% of filmsSociety — 9% of filmsIdeas — 5% of filmsRomantic love — 15% of filmsMarriage — 2% of filmsFamily bonds — 21% of filmsParenthood — 2% of filmsFriendship — 9% of filmsLoyalty — 4% of filmsIdentity — 14% of filmsComing of age — 5% of filmsAging — under 1% of filmsSelf-worth — 7% of filmsAmbition — 7% of filmsPurpose — 9% of filmsMemory — 3% of filmsObsession — 3% of films. A fixation consumes the protagonist (Black Swan).Power — 2% of filmsCorruption — 3% of filmsGreed — 3% of filmsClass — 3% of filmsOppression — 4% of filmsFreedom — 5% of filmsJustice — 13% of filmsDuty — 2% of filmsRevenge — 4% of filmsGuilt — 3% of filmsRedemption — 6% of films. Moral reawakening of a hardened soul (A Christmas Carol).Forgiveness — 1% of filmsSacrifice — 4% of filmsBetrayal — 5% of filmsDeception — 9% of filmsSurvival — 17% of filmsWar — 1% of filmsViolence — 4% of filmsMortality — 2% of filmsGrief — 6% of filmsTrauma — 7% of filmsMental illness — 1% of filmsAddiction — 1% of filmsIllness and disability — under 1% of filmsCommunity — 14% of films. Consequences reach a town, institution or group.Isolation — 5% of filmsPrejudice — 3% of filmsDisplacement — 1% of filmsFaith — 3% of filmsTradition vs change — 2% of filmsFame — 3% of filmsLegacy — 4% of filmsFate — 1% of filmsFree will — under 1% of filmsTruth — 4% of filmsHope — 5% of filmsNature — 2% of filmsArt — 4% of filmsTechnology — 1% of filmsSelf
Every theme, clockwise from the top
  • Bonds 27% (this title): Romantic love 15% · Marriage 2% · Family bonds 21% · Parenthood 2% (this title) · Friendship 9% · Loyalty 4%
  • Self 22%: Identity 14% · Coming of age 5% · Aging under 1% · Self-worth 7% · Ambition 7% · Purpose 9% · Memory 3% · Obsession 3%
  • Power 7%: Power 2% · Corruption 3% · Greed 3% · Class 3% · Oppression 4% · Freedom 5%
  • Morality 16%: Justice 13% · Duty 2% · Revenge 4% · Guilt 3% · Redemption 6% · Forgiveness 1% · Sacrifice 4% (this title) · Betrayal 5% · Deception 9%
  • Survival 15%: Survival 17% · War 1% · Violence 4% · Mortality 2% · Grief 6% · Trauma 7% · Mental illness 1% · Addiction 1% · Illness and disability under 1%
  • Society 9%: Community 14% · Isolation 5% · Prejudice 3% · Displacement 1% · Faith 3% · Tradition vs change 2% · Fame 3% · Legacy 4%
  • Ideas 5%: Fate 1% · Free will under 1% · Truth 4% · Hope 5% · Nature 2% · Art 4% · Technology 1%

Bonds

Parenthood · 2% of filmsSacrifice · 4% of films
Interrogates its theme: Questions its theme without settling the answer.Intimate stakes: Consequences reach a person or a household.Single lead
How it treats its themeThe film examines the lengths a mother will go to protect her child, even at the cost of her own moral boundaries.
StanceThe film examines the moral compromises of maternal love without judging, leaving the viewer to question where rational limits end.

The world

ContemporaryDomesticWildernessRealistic
Orchestral modernSupportive music · original score · Peter Nashel
SettingA rural lakeside home in Tahoe City, Nevada
MusicA subdued score that complements the film's quiet tension.

Content guide

Is The Deep End okay for kids?

R

The Deep End is rated R: “Rated R for some violence and language, and for a strong sex scene” (MPAA). As of October 2, 2026, Midcredits content scores put its violence at intense (61/100), sexual content at intense (67/100), language at intense (73/100), drug and alcohol content at mild (17/100) and frightening material at moderate (56/100). Its violence, language, drug and alcohol content and frightening material have too few votes to rank.

Ratings in 6 other countries
  • UK15
  • Germany16
  • Ireland15
  • JapanG
  • Czechia15+
  • Switzerland12
Overall
Intense · all five categories
not ranked
Violence & Gore
Intense
too few votes to rank (6 votes)
Sex & Nudity
Intense
heavy for an R-rated film
heavier than 83%
Profanity
Intense · audience split: No severity level holds a majority of voters
too few votes to rank (5 votes)
Alcohol & Drugs
Mild
too few votes to rank (4 votes)
Frightening / Intense
Moderate
too few votes to rank (3 votes)

Point along a line to see a well-known title at that level.

Too few votes to rank this title overall (34 votes across 5 categories; ranking needs 10 in at least three).

Source: Midcredits content scores, 0 (none) to 100 (severe) per category, with each standing ranked against other films that have them.

What content warnings does The Deep End have?

Not screened for content warnings yet.

Cast and crew

Who is in The Deep End?

Cast

Tilda Swinton
as Margaret Hall
Goran Visnjic
as Alek Spera
Jonathan Tucker
as Beau Hall
Josh Lucas
as Darby Reese
Peter Donat
as Jack Hall
Raymond J. Barry
as Carlie Nagel
Tamara Hope
as Paige Hall
Holmes Osborne
as Loan Officer
Richard Gross
as Deputy Sheriff
Kip Martin
as BVD

Crew

More like this

What are movies like The Deep End?

Movies like The Deep End include The Reckless Moment (1949), A Thousand and One (2023) and Die My Love (2025). Of the 12 closest matches, most are films that feel solemn, and several are stories about unlikely alliances.

Balanced: every group counts the same, and production only breaks ties.

11 of these 12 share its subject: parenthood. Those cards say what else they share.

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