Harrison Ford, known for legendary roles in Hollywood, steps into unfamiliar territory with a rare appearance in the horror genre, and now, fans can rediscover this side of Ford as his 2000 thriller lands on Netflix. The Harrison Ford horror movie, “What Lies Beneath,” directed by Robert Zemeckis and co-starring Michelle Pfeiffer, is now available to stream, offering a chilling journey for viewers looking to see the actor in a different light.
Harrison Ford’s Foray into Supernatural Suspense
Though celebrated for his performances as Indiana Jones and Han Solo, Harrison Ford has seldom ventured into horror throughout his prolific career. Out of his extensive filmography, he has only participated in two projects classified as horror: the 1977 television film “The Possessed,” and “What Lies Beneath.” The latter distinguishes itself not just as a supernatural thriller, but as a significant deviation for Ford, who is typically recognized for heroic characters rather than villainous roles.
“What Lies Beneath” became available on Netflix beginning December 1. In this film, directed by acclaimed filmmaker Robert Zemeckis, Ford shares the screen with Michelle Pfeiffer. The duo portray Dr. Norman Spencer and Claire Spencer, a married couple whose quiet life at a lakeside home is disrupted by chilling supernatural events. Claire’s growing suspicions about their house being haunted slowly unravel the equilibrium of their marriage, as secrets about Norman come to light.
Taking on a Darker Character
Ford’s reputation as the quintessential ‘good guy,’ seen in global phenomena like Star Wars and the Indiana Jones franchise, is thoroughly challenged in “What Lies Beneath.” The role of Norman Spencer called for a layered performance, requiring Ford to project warmth and reliability while subtly hinting at the character’s darker undercurrents of narcissism. As the mysteries in the story intensify, Ford’s portrayal delivers a crescendo of suspense that culminates in one of the film’s most infamous scenes—set in the bathroom, where the truth about Norman’s character emerges in a shocking reveal.
In conversation with Empire, reflecting on the appeal of playing Norman, Ford explained,
“there comes a point when you’ve exhausted your opportunities playing good guys.”
— Harrison Ford, Actor. He further noted,
“I saw there was an opportunity to play a character different from what the audience’s expectation was. A chance to take their crude experience of me — of my iconography, if you will — and turn it on its ear at an appropriate juncture in the film to be useful to the process of telling the story.”
— Harrison Ford, Actor.
This approach not only subverted expectations from long-time fans but also demonstrated Ford’s range, proving his capability to embody a villain with nuance and intensity, particularly set against Michelle Pfeiffer’s compelling performance as Claire Spencer. Together, their dynamic becomes a driving force behind the movie’s tension and enduring legacy.
An Underrated Thriller Finds New Life on Netflix
“What Lies Beneath” arrived at the cusp of the new millennium as an inventive thriller, interweaving elements of Hitchcockian suspense with supernatural horror. Under Robert Zemeckis’ direction, the film steadily builds a sense of dread, relying on atmosphere and psychological tension rather than simple scares. The audience is drawn into Claire’s increasing paranoia, uncertain whether the haunting is supernatural or a manifestation of secrets within the marriage.
The film’s craftsmanship—complete with slow-burn storytelling, unsettling twists, and visually striking sequences—made it distinct on initial release, yet it has sometimes flown under the radar compared to blockbuster titles starring Ford. With its return to the spotlight through Netflix, a new generation can experience the gradual unraveling of the Spencers’ lives and the glimpses of real terror beneath the surface. This opportunity allows viewers to appreciate the film’s layered narrative and meticulous production, reinforcing its status as a hidden horror gem.
The presence of Harrison Ford in such a role stands out, leveraging his established screen persona to deepen the eventual shock, while Michelle Pfeiffer’s performance grounds the emotional stakes and psychological tension. The chemistry and conflict between these two leading actors heighten the suspense and ensure the film’s climax is both unexpected and deeply impactful.
Other Major Titles Make Their Way to Netflix This December
While “What Lies Beneath” draws fans of both horror and psychological thrillers, Netflix is also expanding its slate of streaming options throughout December. This month’s releases include cinematic favorites such as “A League of Their Own,” the dramatic series “Downton Abbey,” and iconic films like “Pulp Fiction” and “The Wolf of Wall Street.” Additional notable releases scheduled for December include “Forrest Gump” on the 4th,
“Wake Up Dead Man: A Knives Out Mystery”
on the 12th, and “The Talented Mr. Ripley” on the 13th.
Netflix’s growing catalog this season provides a place for both classic titles and uncovered cinematic treasures, inviting audiences to rediscover films that may not have received widespread acclaim at the time of their release. For those interested in suspense, horror, or simply exploring the diversity of Harrison Ford’s career, “What Lies Beneath” is an enticing option to add to their watchlist.
The Lasting Impact of Ford’s Performance in the Horror Genre
“What Lies Beneath” serves as a testament to Harrison Ford’s versatility, demonstrating that even a performer with strong associations to iconic heroes can convince as a menacing antagonist. The film’s enduring suspense, coupled with Robert Zemeckis’ directorial vision and Michelle Pfeiffer’s powerful portrayal of Claire Spencer, make it a standout in the supernatural thriller category. Its return to Netflix allows a broader audience to appreciate Ford’s rare foray into horror and the way the genre can be elevated when an actor known for heroics delivers a chilling transformation.
For fans of Ford, works by Robert Zemeckis, or the genre as a whole, this is a timely reminder that horror’s effectiveness often lies in the unexpected, and that even the most hero-like figures can leave a mark as compelling villains. As streaming platforms like Netflix continue to surface hidden treasures, “What Lies Beneath” showcases both the enduring appeal of a well-crafted horror experience and the remarkable breadth of one of Hollywood’s greatest actors.
