The Water Man

About The Water Man

Directed by David Oyelowo, 'The Water Man' is a beautiful amalgamation of fantasy, adventure, family values, and hope. It revolves around a dedicated and affectionate young boy named Gunner who, shocked by his mother's sickness, goes on an extraordinary mission to find a mythical figure known as the Water Man, who possesses the secret to immortality. As his epic journey unfolds, Gunner teams up with a mysterious local girl, Jo, and they venture into the Wild Horse forest, a territory that's as magical as it is dangerous.

Making / Production

This is David Oyelowo's directorial debut. The movie is a production of Harpo Films and Yoruba Saxon Productions, in association with ShivHans Pictures. Oyelowo, who also acted in the film, has often spoken about the challenges and excitement of wearing multiple hats in the movie-making process.

Actors

• David Oyelowo as Amos, Gunner's father. An authoritative yet caring man, struggling to balance his responsibilities. Oyelowo portrayed the complexities of his character with utter conviction.
• Rosario Dawson as Mary Boone, Gunner's sickly mother. Dawson plays with emotional nuances to give depth to her character.
• Lonnie Chavis as Gunner Boone, the protagonist. Chavis portrays the relentless spirit of a loving son with authenticity.
• Amiah Miller as Jo, the anomalous girl who accompanies Gunner. Miller's portrayal adds an element of mystery to the narrative.

Trivia / Interesting Facts

• The film marks the directorial debut of renowned actor David Oyelowo.
• It premiered at the Toronto International Film Festival in 2020 before its theatrical release in 2021.
• The film incorporates intricate animation sequences to illustrate Gunner's stories.

Quotes

• "There's no messing around with the Water Man. He's got some kind of magic in him. He's immortal!" - Jo
• "My dad always talks about how we are all on a journey. He says it's our quest in life to find out our gifts." - Gunner

Music and Soundtrack

• The film's music score was composed by Peter Baert, whose music strikingly matches the adventurous and fantastical spirit of the film.
• The soundtrack provides an emotional underpinning, enhancing the mood and tone of various scenes.