Dark Water may not sound anything like The Ring (2001,) but the similarities are definitely there. The storyline revolves around Dahlia Williams (Jennifer Connelly) and her daughter Cecilia (Ariel Gade). As she enters into a brutal custody battle with her ex-husband, Dahlia starts apartment hunting in Roosevelt Island. The apartment she picks would send most prospective tenants running back to their cars, not bothering to look back. After considering the reasonable price and at the urging of her daughter, she decides to take it. But when dark water starts staining her bedroom ceiling, Dahlia begins to wonder if it might be a prank staged by her ex, or perhaps something more supernatural. As the mystery unfolds and details of the disappearance of a young girl become apparent, the answers seem gradually more paranormal. Dark Water is spooky until the end, which is more disappointing than surprising.

Overall, the one hundred and five minute film is much more of a psychological drama than a horror flick. Elevators that seem to have a mind of their own and faucets spouting hair are creepy and preternatural, but fail to make the movie a genuine “horror” picture. Towards the end, similarities to The Ring become more apparent. In retrospect, this is not surprising considering that both movies are based on books by Japanese author, Hideo Nakata. The plot started well and had plenty of potential, but too many unanswered questions zap Dark Water of its energy.

There aren’t really any special effects to speak of but the mood is carried well. Clues are scattered at the beginning of the film that help weave a good mystery. The music used fits the mood of the movie very well, and is artfully placed to create a feeling of suspense and uneasiness. For the most part, the movie is shot in a way that most of the scenes are, literally, “dark”. Bad lighting and well-chosen colors make the atmosphere dreary and somewhat depressing. With the good photography though, it all fits the mood.

What the movie lacks, the actors make up for. Oscar winner Jennifer Connelly’s performance is convincing. Her portrayals of maternal concern seem genuine, while her fearfulness is just as believable.

Ariel Gade is excellent in the film. Her character’s sudden change of mind toward their prospective home after a discovery on the roof is deliberate, yet subtle enough to make the viewer wonder what’s really going on. The schoolroom scene where her hand becomes “possessed” is believable and surprisingly good.

Tim Roth plays Dahlia’s lawyer in the film. His performances provide some comic relief to the otherwise heavy subject matter of Dark Water.

Dougray Scott portrays Dahlia’s soon-to-be ex-husband. It’s questionable what his character’s motives might be, but his good performances make up for lack of screen time. Overall, the actors do a fantastic job carrying the movie to its bizarre end.

Dark Water earns the PG-13 rating with a mature theme dealing with child neglect, disturbing images, and brief language.