Year: 2005
Runtime: 105 min
Language: Russian
Director: Walter Salles
Three strangers are drawn to a dilapidated ship in a desolate town, each seeking refuge from their own troubled pasts. As they attempt to find solace within the decaying vessel, they find themselves increasingly isolated and disturbed by unsettling events. The boundaries of their perceptions begin to erode, and they must confront the sinister forces at play before they are overwhelmed by the darkness that surrounds them.
Warning: spoilers below!
Haven’t seen Dark Water yet? This summary contains major spoilers. Bookmark the page, watch the movie, and come back for the full breakdown. If you're ready, scroll on and relive the story!
Read the complete plot breakdown of Dark Water (2005), including all key story events, major twists, and the ending explained in detail. Discover what really happened—and what it all means.
Dahlia, portrayed by Jennifer Connelly, relocates with her daughter Ceci -also known as Cecelia- played by Ariel Gade to a new apartment in a condominium on Roosevelt Island, New York, due to her impending divorce from Kyle (played by Dougray Scott). The transition struggles are amplified by Kyle’s refusal to support Ceci’s new school and environment, leading to a tense custody battle. The mediators involved, Bill Buell and Linda Emond, express concerns that Ceci is the one who might suffer the most regardless of who gains custody.
Settled on the ninth floor, Dahlia attempts to maintain a normal routine, reading children’s stories to Ceci and dropping her off at school. Yet, she is plagued by excruciating headaches that necessitate strong medication. The building has a dismal atmosphere, with a grumpy clerk named Veeck, played by Pete Postlethwaite, who constantly complains but does little to help.
Overcome by exhaustion and the pressures of legal battles, Dahlia finds herself in a crumbling state of mental health, especially with a controlling mother, played by Elina Löwensohn, adding to her stress. Upon moving in, she notices a troubling damp stain in the bedroom that becomes a significant issue as they hear odd sounds throughout the apartment, exacerbated by the poor lighting and ominous hallways. Although Veeck promises to send a plumber, nothing improves.
As Ceci struggles to make friends, she turns to an imaginary companion named Natasha. Despite Dahlia’s efforts to remain steadfast, the burden of her situation weighs heavily on her. One day, after a troubling laundromat episode where Ceci believes she sees a girl inside the washing machine, Dahlia dismisses it as a prank from a couple of troublemaking boys. However, the strange occurrences increase when Ceci is driven into fits of anxiety at school, sparking concern from her teacher, played by Camryn Manheim.
Following a series of unsettling events, including Ceci fainting in the school bathroom, Kyle hurls accusations at Dahlia’s capability to parent. In a bid to help, their lawyer, Jeff Platzer (played by Tim Roth), intensifies his support by calling the building owner, John C. Reilly, who is alarmed by the water damage emanating from the upper floor.
A journey of discovery leads Dahlia to learn about the tragic history of the apartment’s 10th floor, once inhabited by a troubled Russian family and a little girl named Natasha, who ultimately met a tragic fate. Realization dawns when Dahlia finds Natasha’s corpse in a neglected reservoir, only to escape as Natasha seemingly reaches out to pull her in. In the wake of this horror, when it seems the turmoil is at an end, Dahlia strives to rewrite her relationship with Kyle for Ceci’s sake.
However, as she attempts to create a bath for Ceci, a chilling transformation occurs when she discovers she is with the ghost of Natasha instead of her daughter. In a desperate act to save Ceci from drowning, Dahlia proposes to care for Natasha, leading to a harrowing flood in their bathroom.
In a harrowing finale, police arrive assuming Dahlia might have attempted suicide, while in an emotional closure, she reassures Ceci from beyond, promising to always be there if she’s ever in need. The heavy weight of the events unfolds, leaving Dahlia to linger in the building, bound together with the spirit of Natasha.
Last Updated: October 27, 2024 at 18:36
Don't stop at just watching — explore Dark Water in full detail. From the complete plot summary and scene-by-scene timeline to character breakdowns, thematic analysis, and a deep dive into the ending — every page helps you truly understand what Dark Water is all about. Plus, discover what's next after the movie.
Track the full timeline of Dark Water with every major event arranged chronologically. Perfect for decoding non-linear storytelling, flashbacks, or parallel narratives with a clear scene-by-scene breakdown.
Discover movies like Dark Water that share similar genres, themes, and storytelling elements. Whether you’re drawn to the atmosphere, character arcs, or plot structure, these curated recommendations will help you explore more films you’ll love.
Dark Water (2005) Scene-by-Scene Movie Timeline
Dark Water (2005) Movie Characters, Themes & Settings
Movies Like Dark Water – Similar Titles You’ll Enjoy
Dark Summer (2015) Movie Recap & Themes
Darkness (2004) Story Summary & Characters
Lady in the Water (2006) Full Movie Breakdown
Underwater (2020) Full Summary & Key Details
Darkness Falls (2003) Movie Recap & Themes
The Drowning (2017) Movie Recap & Themes
Dead Water (2019) Detailed Story Recap
Dark Touch (2013) Spoiler-Packed Plot Recap
Deep Water (2022) Ending Explained & Film Insights
Something in the Water (2024) Spoiler-Packed Plot Recap
Wait Until Dark (1967) Story Summary & Characters
Death Ship (1980) Complete Plot Breakdown
The Dark Hours (2005) Movie Recap & Themes
Dark Waters (2019) Plot Summary & Ending Explained
Lost River (2015) Complete Plot Breakdown