Deep Water is based on the 1957 novel by Patricia Highsmith. The story follows Vic Van Allen (Affleck) and Melinda Van Allen (de Armas), a wealthy couple in a small town whose marriage is crumbling under the weight of resentment and jealousy.

Much of the film's pre-release buzz centered on the real-life relationship between Affleck and de Armas at the time of filming.

This was Adrian Lyne's first film in 20 years, following 2002's Unfaithful .