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Harrison Ford, Michelle Pfeiffer, Diana Scarwid, Miranda Otto, James Remar ... see more see more... , Joe Morton , Amber Valletta , Victoria Bidewell , Katharine Towne , Ray Baker , Mitch Carter , Wendy Crewson , Tom Dahlgren , Moosie Drier , Bridget Hoffman , Donna Lynn Leavy , Micole Mercurio , Edie Mirman , Sloane Shelton , Daniel Zelman , Rachel Singer , Philece Sampler , Iake Eissinmann , Jennifer Tung , David Cowgill , Eliott Goretsky , Newell Alexander , Dennison Samaroo , Donald Taylor , Claudette Wells

In this supernatural thriller, a woman believes that a visitor from another dimension is trying to guide her into a sinister mystery. Feeling lonely after her daughter leaves home for college, Claire ... read more read more...(Michelle Pfeiffer) begins to sense that something is wrong in her house, and feels a spirit is trying to contact her. At first her husband Norman (Harrison Ford), a scientist doing research in genetics, attributes her paranormal beliefs to stress or possibly a nervous breakdown, and sends her to a psychiatrist (Joe Morton) who puts no more stock in Claire's stories than does Norman. While Claire's contention that someone or something sinister is afoot leads her down a number of blind alleys, in time she becomes convinced that the mysterious happenings at her home are somehow connected to the disappearance of a woman who was a student at the nearby college -- and bore a striking resemblance to Claire. What Lies Beneath marked the debut of screenwriter Clark Gregg, whose script is based on a story by himself and Sarah Kernochan; the supporting cast includes Diana Scarwid as Claire's best friend Jody, and James Remar and Miranda Otto as a contentious couple living next door. ~ Mark Deming, Rovi

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61% liked it

260,614 ratings

Critics

45% liked it

124 critics

PG-13, 2 hr. 6 min.

Directed by: Robert Zemeckis

Release Date: July 21, 2000

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DVD Release Date: January 30, 2001

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Stats: 8,813 reviews

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Flixster Reviews (8,813)

  • moonrivers
    February 21, 2012
    moonrivers
    In this no-bones-about-it homage to Hitchcock, Director Robert Zemekis adds a touch of the supernatural to the Master's usual game of confusing possibilities as a empty nesting mom starts to hear strange ("what's that? is anybody there?") noises in the house. The leads are whol... read moreesome and warm ... until the twist at the end. Count the references to Hitchcock hallmarks!
  • TheDudeLebowski65
    October 11, 2011
    TheDudeLebowski65
    What Lies Beneath has an interesting concept with a good cast. Director Robert Zemeckis crafts a good ghost story here, and manages to keep the thrills and chills fresh as the film progresses. What Lies Beneath is good horror film with a good cast. Harrison Ford and Michelle Pfei... read moreffer are good here, and the story is entertaining, chilling and scary. What Lies Beneath was very entertaining, and it kept me on the edge of my seat quite a few times. The cast do a fine job, and the story is quite interesting. I very much enjoyed this film Harrison Ford is pretty good in this, and though he doesn't deliver any memorable performances such was the case of Han Solo, and Indiana Jones, he still is able to pull through with a good enough performance to keep you interested in the overall film. What Lies Beneath has a good story that is very engaging. What Lies Beneath is a flawed film, but it manages good scares and does keep you on the edge of your seat. The cast are very good here, and considering that Harrison Ford is a so-so actor nowadays, he does deliver here. Robert Zemeckis has a good directorial style and he sets a good tone and atmosphere for the film, key elements for a good horror yarn. What lies Beneath is a good, creepy film that has a good cast and an interesting story that will keep you on the edge of your seat.
  • cosmo313
    October 1, 2011
    cosmo313
    This film has a plot typical of silly b-movie supernatural thrillers, but, thanks to some good effects, decent performances, and some sharp direction, this transcends all that, and becomes a pretty solid and entertaining piece of wrok. It also helps that this film has great atmop... read moreshere and some purposely overt nods to Hitchcock that DIDN'T come off as hokey.

    This is a fun and clever movie, and you foget that, much like Jaws, it's just a b-movie, albeit one done so well that it becomes art or at least far better than you'd expect. Harrison Ford is good in a role that's a nice change of pace, Michelle Pfeiffer is great at playing nutty, the music is terrific, the cinematography is awesome, and I loved all the homages.

    All in all, good stuff. If you like well done supernatural thrillers, give this one a go.
  • crunchbunch
    February 3, 2011
    crunchbunch
    What Lies Beneath is a chilling paranormal thriller, supported by a fantastic cast that left me nervously watching on as events unfold.

    Its easy to see how the hugely popular and more recent scare a minute flicks such as Paranormal Activity take note from this film's clever way ... read moreof building tension. Despite that comparison, dont think that film is a jump a minute, its not and never develops into that sort of film. Its not that cheap.

    Pfeiffer as the haunted Claire is the star here and it is really her that leads us through the emotions we feel as a viewer. Ford is as cool as ever and the chemistry between the two is powerful.

    "You stole the dead woman's shoe? "
  • garyX
    January 21, 2011
    garyX
    The wife of a work obsessed academic becomes convinced that the ghost of a dead girl is inhabiting their new home. What Lies Beneath has all the hallmarks of a big money, mainstream Hollywood thriller. The two heavyweight leads were never going to disappoint, veteran director Rob... read moreert Zemeckis' work behind the camera was always going to be surefooted and the whole thing has that gloss of well engineered "quality". Yet it's all so very soulless and generic it will never set your world alight. More a homage to Hitchcock than a true ghost story, it has the obvious references a bathroom setting was sure to contain and even the soundtrack owes more than a little to Psycho, but the edginess of that classic is sorely missing. Solid, but oh so very safe.
  • Deano78
    August 21, 2010
    Deano78
    I love these type of supernatural thrillers, very well made with a strong cast.
  • 3niR
    April 17, 2010
    3niR
    This wasn't that much scary like everyone was saying. Not bad though.
  • ythelastman89
    November 20, 2009
    ythelastman89
    It's a decent attempt from Michelle Phiefer and Harrison Ford, but it is neither of the two's better performances. It's sort of a kooky story that has a few scares here and there, but it doesn't have a lasting effect and is highly unmemorable.
  • 76Majikat
    November 13, 2009
    76Majikat
    The thing that makes this film work so well, is the cleverly placed, typical Horror type scenarios, that never seem to materialise, yet keep you waiting for them to happen, check through the film, they are all there. Hence this becomes an edge of your seat Thriller, with heighte... read morened intensity that keeps your mind challenged.
  • stormyweather980
    September 11, 2009
    stormyweather980
    Dr. Norman Spencer (Harrison Ford) and his wife, Claire (Michelle Pfeiffer), have a great marriage and it seems like nothing could go wrong. However, things take a major turn when Claire starts seeing signs that their house might be haunted. Will these mysterious signs prove to b... read moree a true haunting, or is Claire just seeing things?
    Robert Zemeckis, who also directed "Cast Away," has a real winner with "What Lies Beneath." It's more of a suspense movie than anything, but there's also some drama and horror involved. From start to finish, everything works perfectly for "What Lies Beneath." Harrison Ford and Michelle Pfeiffer are the two main stars, so you know it has GREAT acting. It also has great special effects, good camera work, and so on. But what really makes "What Lies Beneath" stand out is its suspense! Whether it's Claire seeing another reflection in the water or a sudden change of the movie's mood, this movie is VERY suspenseful. Not only is the suspense about as top notch as it can get, the musical score, the camera work, and everything else, add even more to the edge of the seat atmosphere.

    The storyline is almost as good as the suspense. No matter what happens, as long as you pay attention, you'll be able to understand everything without having to think a whole lot. If you like horror or suspense movies, you've gotta see "What Lies Beneath." When it comes to the rent or buy question, I recommend buying it! You won't be disappointed! NOTE: That was my Amazon review from the year 2001. This was one of Harrison Ford's shining moments outside of Indiana Jones to me. Such a good movie.

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Critic Reviews

Bob Graham
January 1, 2000
Bob Graham, San Francisco Chronicle

The deepest meaning will not be revealed until this thriller's eerily satisfying climax. Full Review

Kirk Honeycutt
January 1, 2000
Kirk Honeycutt, Hollywood Reporter

What Lies Beneath is simply an affectionate, tongue-in-cheek tribute to movie trickery.

Louis B. Parks
January 1, 2000
Louis B. Parks, Houston Chronicle

Some good scares and thrills in a generally entertaining package. Full Review

Susan Stark
January 1, 2000
Susan Stark, Detroit News

For the audience, the picture is basically a 2-hour-and-10-minute chance to watch a major director and his leads in an exercise of self-indulgence.

Stephanie Zacharek
January 1, 2000
Stephanie Zacharek, Salon.com

Pushes every obvious button and then fumbles around for some of the more recessed ones. Full Review

Kevin Maynard
January 1, 2000
Kevin Maynard, Mr. Showbiz

What Lies Beneath is startlingly shallow even for a summer movie.

Lisa Schwarzbaum
January 1, 2000
Lisa Schwarzbaum, Entertainment Weekly

What lies beneath What Lies Beneath are the good bones of Alfred Hitchcock. Full Review

Michael Wilmington
January 1, 2000
Michael Wilmington, Chicago Tribune

A classy supernatural lady-in-distress thriller.

Jay Carr
January 1, 2000
Jay Carr, Boston Globe

Essentially, it's claptrap.

(CNN.com) Paul Clinton
January 1, 2000
(CNN.com) Paul Clinton, CNN.com

It does have its moments, and the talent involved is impressive. Full Review

Critic ratings and reviews powered by RottenTomatoes.com

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