The Deep End 

A Film Review by Kevin Alexander

How far would a mother go to protect her son? Even if she disapproves of his friends and lifestyle, he’s still her son and that’s all that matters to Margaret Hall. Her son Beau is involved in a homosexual relationship with Darby. Darby is almost twice Beau’s age and none too close to his home. Darby and Beau get into a drunk driving accident that leads to Margaret visiting Darby where she requests that he leave her son alone. Later that night Darby pays, what turns out to be, an unfriendly visit to Beau at the Hall’s home and winds up dead. The next morning Margaret discovers the body and assumes that Beau killed him, so she begins to cover it all up. Little does she know what is yet to come.

Tilda Swinton gives what will most likely be the year’s best performance by an actress as the distraught Margaret. The joy of this movie comes from watching her character reach deeper and deeper into desperation to protect her son while he goes through his life worrying about his problems: losing Darby and trying to get into a prestigious music university. Swinton is one of those actors who can say more with her eyes than with any number of words you can give her. She makes Margaret Hall completely believable in every frame. We never question her actions or disagree with her.

There are scenes of shear acting brilliance in this film. In the opening scene when Margaret visits a gay nightclub where Darby is, we sympathize with Hall because we can see how uncomfortable she is in this situation. Later we see her scurry about frantically on the phone as she tries to raise ransom money after a home sex video of her son makes itself known. Swinton swings her emotions around in complete control as she varies from deep, hidden panic to super mom, taking the kids to swim practice.

If you’re sick of the summer leftovers, seek this movie out. It’s a tense thriller that grabs a hold of you and doesn’t ease up until the credits roll.

© 2001 Kevin Alexander

The King's Room