Watch Two Eyes Staring [Zwart Water]
- 2010
- 1 hr 47 min
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5.5 (1,454)
Two Eyes Staring [Zwart Water] is a 2010 Dutch horror film directed by Elbert van Strien. It stars Hadewych Minis, Barry Atsma, and Isabelle Stokkel. The movie begins with a young girl named Lisa (Isabelle Stokkel) moving to a new town with her parents and younger brother. They move into an old mansion on the outskirts of town, and Lisa quickly begins to experience strange occurrences. One day, she discovers a hidden room in the attic that reveals a dark family secret.
The story then jumps forward a decade, and Lisa (now played by Hadewych Minis) returns to the mansion with her husband Paul (Barry Atsma) and their young daughter, Karen (Isabelle Stokkel in a dual role). Lisa's mother has recently passed away, and she has inherited the mansion. As Lisa begins to settle in, she starts to experience the same strange occurrences that haunted her as a child.
Karen, who is about the same age as Lisa was when she first moved to the mansion, finds a new friend in a strange girl named Alma (Charlotte Arnold). Alma seems to know a lot about the mansion and its dark secrets, but Lisa and Paul become increasingly suspicious of her motives. As Karen becomes more and more attached to Alma, the family begins to unravel the secrets of the mansion's past and the terrifying truth about Alma's identity.
The film is a slow-burn horror movie that relies on mood and atmosphere rather than cheap jump scares. The director creates an eerie atmosphere with the use of low lighting, long takes, and a haunting score. The acting is top-notch, with Hadewych Minis delivering an excellent performance as the troubled Lisa.
One of the strengths of the film is its exploration of the mother-daughter relationship. Lisa's relationship with her own mother was strained, and she struggles to connect with her daughter Karen. This nuance gives the movie an emotional depth that is not often seen in horror films.
Two Eyes Staring [Zwart Water] is not for everyone. It is a slow, contemplative movie that requires patience and an appreciation for mood and atmosphere over cheap thrills. However, for those who appreciate this type of horror movie, it is a must-see. It is a chilling tale that will stay with you long after the credits roll.