The Deep End Poster

The Deep End 2001

★ 6.2155 votes101 min📅 2001-01-21

"How far would you go to protect your family?"

In Scott McGehee's atmospheric 2001 mystery-thriller *The Deep End (2001)*, Tilda Swinton delivers a haunting performance as Margaret Hall, a woman overwhelmed by isolation while her husband remains absent for work.

Director: Scott McGehee

Cast

Tilda Swinton
Tilda Swinton
Margaret Hall
Goran Višnjić
Goran Višnjić
Alek Spera
Jonathan Tucker
Jonathan Tucker
Beau Hall
Josh Lucas
Josh Lucas
Darby Reese
Peter Donat
Peter Donat
Jack Hall
Raymond J. Barry
Raymond J. Barry
Carlie Nagel
Tamara Hope
Tamara Hope
Paige Hall
Jordon Dorrance
Jordon Dorrance
Dylan Hall
Heather Mathieson
Heather Mathieson
Sue Lloyd
Holmes Osborne
Holmes Osborne
Loan Officer

Frequently Asked Questions

What is The Deep End (2001) about?

Margaret Hall, played by Tilda Swinton, leads a quiet life caring for her children until she stumbles upon a dead body tied to her teenage son's secret relationship. Forced to navigate the fallout alone, she must decide what's morally right versus what's necessary to protect her family.

Who directed The Deep End?

Scott McGehee, known for his thoughtful, character-driven films, directed *The Deep End*.

Who stars in The Deep End?

Tilda Swinton takes the lead role, with Goran Višnjić, Jonathan Tucker, Josh Lucas, and Peter Donat rounding out the cast.

Is The Deep End (2001) worth watching?

*The Deep End* is a gripping slow-burn thriller that thrives on tension rather than action. While it lacks a high IMDb rating for visibility, its strong performances and moral dilemmas make it a compelling watch for fans of psychological dramas and mysteries.

How long is The Deep End?

The Deep End runs for 101 minutes.

🎥 Trailer

About The Deep End (2001) — A Mother Faced with an Impossible Choice

In Scott McGehee's atmospheric 2001 mystery-thriller *The Deep End (2001)*, Tilda Swinton delivers a haunting performance as Margaret Hall, a woman overwhelmed by isolation while her husband remains absent for work. Nestled in a secluded lakeside home, her fragile world shatters when she discovers the body of her teenage son's lover washed up on the shore at dawn. As the sun rises over the quiet, misty waters, Margaret confronts an impossible choice—one that blurs the lines between justice and maternal instinct. The film explores themes of secrecy, sacrifice, and the lengths a parent will go to shield their child from harm.

With its slow-burn tension and moral ambiguity, *The Deep End* unfolds like a shadowy psychological puzzle, driven by sharp performances and McGehee's deliberate, moody direction. Swinton's portrayal anchors the story, while Goran Višnjić and Jonathan Tucker bring depth to the supporting roles. The rural setting heightens the film's claustrophobic dread, making every quiet conversation feel loaded with unspoken danger.