The Water Horse (2007)

The Water Horse is a warm, family-friendly adventure set on the windswept Scottish coast during the Second World War. When lonely young Angus MacMorrow discovers a strange, oversized egg on the beach, his curiosity leads him to shelter it — and to the hatchling that emerges: a mysterious aquatic creature from local legend that Angus names Crusoe. As Crusoe grows at an astonishing rate, the boy and the creature form a deep, affectionate bond while the frightened adults around them react with suspicion and fear. Watching the film you’ll get a mix of wonder and suspense: gentle, magical moments of friendship and discovery alternate with tense sequences as Crusoe’s size and presence become impossible to hide. The movie balances whimsy and emotional heft — family warmth, a child’s imagination, and the moral tests of loyalty and courage — against the backdrop of wartime unease. Visually it offers lush coastal scenery and impressive creature effects that bring the water horse to life in both playful and poignant ways. The Water Horse is ideal for viewers who enjoy heartwarming fantasy with a touch of adventure and mild peril. Expect to feel moved by the boy-and-monster relationship, entertained by lighter, humorous beats, and drawn into a bittersweet, hopeful finale that underscores themes of friendship, bravery, and letting go.

Actors: Emily Watson, David Morrissey, Alex Etel

Director: Jay Russell

Runtime: 112 min

Genres: Adventure, Family, Fantasy

71 /100 6.4 /10 6.8 /10