Undertow(2004)- User Reviews

Undertow directed by independent filmmaker David Gordon Green is an extraordinary film to experience. Green has made a film that is hard to describe since it is such a unique film. Green has an ability to help you get lost in his films that I have never seen before. Undertow is intense throughout and at times becomes a harrowing experience. The main thing you need to appreciate this film is to approach it with an open mind since it does not conform to any of the categories or cliches attached to commercial film today.

Undertow is the story of the tragedies experienced by the sons of John Munn. These two kids experience a series of tragedies that are indeed terrifying. Deel, John Munn's brother, comes back to visit John after serving time in prison and is looking to get even with John for stealing and marrying his girlfriend. Deel's visit results in a series of events that lead to a downward spiral in the lives of both of John's sons, Chris and Tim. The viewer experiences this downward spiral in a way that I have never seen previously in film.

Green elicits more convincing performances out of his actors than any director I have ever seen. Indeed for most of the film I was not aware that there were actors portraying characters but rather thought I was just watching the events unfold in front of me.

The only flaws of this film are that there are some action type scenes that could have been constructed more skillfully. The other problem is that Green seems to still have some self-indulgent tendencies that detract from the overall level of excellence of the film.

Overall this is as good a film as I have seen and is a must see for any serious film fan.