Throughout history, local myths have woven a rich tapestry of cultural narratives that reflect the values, fears, and aspirations of a particular region. These tales, passed down through generations, often blend elements of the supernatural with the mundane, offering insights into the human experience. Whether it’s the mysterious creature said to roam the nearby woods or the ghostly figure haunting an ancient building, these myths serve as both entertainment and a means to connect with our shared heritage. As time progresses, the endurance of these local myths underscores their significance in shaping the identity of our communities.

The Water Man

In the heartwarming tale of “The Water Man,” we follow Gunner Boone, a creative 11-year-old who’s recently settled in the quaint town of Pine Mills, Oregon. Gunner, immersed in crafting a graphic novel about a detective investigating his own demise, seeks solace amidst his mother Mary’s battle with leukemia. Unfortunately, Gunner’s relationship with his Marine father, Amos, is strained, and a well-intentioned attempt at bonding results in the accidental destruction of Gunner’s artwork.

Enter a local legend about The Water Man, a ghostly figure rumored to possess the secret to immortality. Gunner teams up with Jo, a blue-haired grifter claiming a firsthand encounter with The Water Man, setting the stage for a magical quest into the mysterious woods. Their journey, reminiscent of a fairy tale, unfolds with curious phenomena and challenges, all against the backdrop of an impending forest fire unbeknownst to the young adventurers. As Gunner’s sketches and comics seemingly come to life, he envisions a magical realm where The Water Man might hold the key to saving his ailing mother, offering a unique and enchanting perspective through his imaginative eyes.

PARENTAL NOTES

TV-PG Appropriate

• The death of loved ones is an everpresent theme that repeatedly makes its way into the narrative without any pretense of coddling the viewer. Death is real, and it is sad.
  • It can get a little macabre.
    • There are illustrations of people drowning to death.
    • The opening scene is of a funeral/burial.

OVERTLY BASED ELEMENTS

What A Nice Surprise

• When the movie begins, it seems as though it’s going to be pretty woke, with a stern military dad unable to connect with his brilliant, creative, and sensitive son whose mother understands and defends his odd behavior. However, as the movie progresses, it becomes apparent that these are far more carefully crafted characters who are dealing with real-world stresses that tax their coping abilities, and no one is at their best.
• The dad ends up not only being incredibly important to the family, but he is also a devoted father and an incredibly competent man who is never run down.
• At first, it appears that the little girl/co-star is going to be a blue-haired girl boss, but it turns out that that is only a character that the character is playing to try to appear tougher and more together than she is.
• Even the film’s early quasi-secular take on heaven is undone with the film’s closing prayer of thanks, categorically made to the Christian God.

WOKE REPORT

Peppering

• A white guy who is not a good man is also passive-aggressively racist.
  • It’s not that this kind of thing doesn’t happen or that it doesn’t make sense for this type of character to be racist, but it did feel artificial. However, it’s a single three to four-word line and never mentioned again, and it is the character’s only appearance in the film.
• The chief of police in the small country city where country music plays in the local Chinese restaurant is a woman.