Common Sense Media Review
By Jeffrey M. Anderson
,
based on child development research. How do we rate?
Artsy, intriguing, but ultimately empty drama; sex, cursing.
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Waterlily Jaguar
Parent and Kid Reviews
What's the Story?
In WATERLILY JAGUAR, Bob (James Le Gros) is the bestselling author of a series of "airport novels," i.e. lightweight reads that people tend to take on airplanes. Feeling burned out, he wants to write something more artistic, something great. He hits upon the idea of the 9000-year-old "La Brea Woman," the only human being found in the La Brea Tar Pits. He wants to write about her, and he wants to write in verse. He sends his assistant, Wilhelmina (Stacey Oristano), out to find more information and even manages to steal a piece of the ancient woman's skeleton. Meanwhile, Bob's agent, Bill (Dominic Monaghan), and his publishers feel that Bob is making a huge mistake, putting all their incomes at risk. And Bob's wife, Helen (Mira Sorvino), worries that he's been drinking too much and that he's not the same Bob anymore. What will the new novel do to Bob and those around him?
Is It Any Good?
This Los Angeles-set drama, the directorial debut for Melora Walters, has a strong sense of atmosphere and mood and some intriguing characters, but in the end, nothing much seems to happen. In the opening scene of Waterlily Jaguar, Bob drinks alone in a bar, where a woman claiming to be able to tell fortunes sits next to him. Through her, viewers learn that Bob is successful, has children, and is married to his fifth wife. It's an interesting way to convey a bit of exposition, but it's the only exposition we get. Otherwise, we really don't have much of an idea who the characters are. Bob is grumpy and sullen throughout, seemingly discontented with both his success and with the new idea that would supposedly bring him artistic satisfaction.
We also have very little idea of the relationships between Bob and Helen and Bob and Wilhelmina. These women appear to suffer for him for no apparent reason; no sense of history or loyalty comes through. Other characters, like Bill, are clearly only in it for the money. And we never actually even see Bill writing, nor do we see the results of his labor. So much is missing that it's difficult to understand how 86 minutes of movie was assembled out of so little. Walters makes great use of locations and spaces, and Waterlily Jaguar is often interesting to look at, but the writing just isn't there.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about Waterlily Jaguar's depiction of drinking. Is it glamorized? Are there consequences for drinking? Why is that important?
How is sex depicted? What values are imparted?
What's the difference between art and commerce, i.e. creating art for profit and creating art for art's sake? What are the similarities?
How are women depicted in the movie? Do they have agency, or are they defined by the male characters?
What do you think the ending means? What did Bob achieve (or not achieve) through his artistic opus?
Movie Details
- In theaters : May 19, 2020
- On DVD or streaming : July 26, 2020
- Cast : James LeGros , Mira Sorvino , Dominic Monaghan
- Director : Melora Walters
- Inclusion Information : Female Movie Actor(s)
- Studio : BayView Entertainment
- Genre : Drama
- Topics : History
- Run time : 86 minutes
- MPAA rating :
- Last updated : September 29, 2025
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