The Rewatchables 'What Lies Beneath’ With Bill Simmons, Chris Ryan, and Mallory Rubin
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Jan 14, 2026 A deep dive into the 2000 thriller featuring Harrison Ford and Michelle Pfeiffer unfolds. The hosts debate its genre as either an erotic thriller or a ghost story. They rave about Pfeiffer's performance and the film's pacing, noting early clues and rewatchable scenes. Critical production details, such as the house becoming a character, are explored. They also playfully ponder casting what-ifs while discussing aging plot issues. Unanswered questions and creative critiques lead to a lively final verdict on the film's rewatch value.
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Genre Shift From Erotic Thriller To Ghost Story
- What Lies Beneath shifts from a 90s erotic thriller into a 2000s haunted-house ghost story.
- That genre blend makes the film more accessible to horror-averse viewers while keeping suspense.
Trailer Spoilers Reduce Suspense
- Robert Zemeckis intentionally spoiled elements in the trailer to let audiences 'enjoy' knowing what's coming.
- The hosts argue that revealing twists reduces suspense and undermines the first-hour payoff.
Cinematography Creates A Ghost's Gaze
- Zemeckis uses subtle camera movement and framing to create a 'ghost POV' that watches Michelle Pfeiffer's Claire.
- Those visual choices seed unease across long silent stretches and demand focused viewing.