The plot of Baywatch (2017) was supposed to be a fun update of a campy ’90s TV show, but it ends up drowning in its own vanity. The film fails to deliver on almost every level: the character dynamics don’t feel right, the structure is all over the place, and the character arcs either go nowhere or offer little emotional payoff. What could have been a breezy, self-aware summer comedy sinks under its scattered tone and its obsession with style over substance.
One of the film’s core problems is its confused sense of who the lead actually is. Zac Efron’s Matt Brody is set up as a classic redemption arc, but the story constantly sidelines him in favor of Dwayne Johnson’s Mitch, whose overpowering presence turns the narrative into an identity crisis. Is this Brody’s journey or Mitch’s showcase? The film never quite picks a lane, and as a result, neither character fully lands.
If on the other hand, we imagine Brody firmly in the lead and Mitch sidelined into a mentor archetype, the story immediately feels more grounded. This structure not only offers a clearer character arc but also creates room for meaningful growth, tension, and emotional payoff.
A disgraced athlete
The film could have opened with a far sharper sense of character by introducing Brody alone on a sunny pier, trying to hustle a few bucks by challenging local swimmers to a show-off race—offering them a ten-second head start just to make it “fair.” It’s a small, slightly pathetic moment, but a perfect window into a disgraced Olympic star clinging to ego and spectacle.
Mitches intro
As Brody crosses the finish line and pockets a handful of bills—clearly small change—the camera shifts to Mitch, perched confidently atop the lifeguard tower. Observing Brody’s antics with a mix of amusement and disdain, Mitch dismissively calls him “pathetic” to Summer, then casually invites her to join the upcoming trials.
The inspiration/motivation in Summer
As Brody passes the tower, Summer smirks and teases, “How much did you make?” Their playful banter reveals Brody’s interest in her and naturally leads to his decision to join the lifeguard trials, providing a clear and personal motivation for his growth.
The mentor is reserved
Brody performs surprisingly well in the trials—still rough around the edges, but undeniably skilled. Yet Mitch remains hesitant, unconvinced by Brody’s attitude. It’s only when Mitch’s boss steps in, that Brody is reluctantly accepted onto the team.
The fallout
Trying too hard to impress Summer and look cool, Brody jeopardizes Mitch’s quiet investigation into drug activity. His reckless behavior blows their cover, creating real tension with Mitch and forcing Brody to face the consequences of his ego.
The begging
When Mitch threatens to kick him off the team, Brody doesn’t apologize—he begs. Listing off why he needs this chance, it’s a raw, desperate moment that, unlike the original film’s rushed apology, keeps the tension alive.
The reckoning
When a second fallout occurs and Mitch is ready to cut Brody loose for good, his boss steps in and blocks the decision, citing protocol and pressure from above. Frustrated and feeling undermined, Mitch chooses to walk away instead. Which would be in accordance with the original idea.
The struggle and repentance
Mitch’s departure hits Brody hard. With the team fractured and pressure mounting, he struggles to hold things together—and fails. It’s a harsh reality check that strips away his ego. For the first time, Brody isn’t trying to impress anyone; he just wants to make things right.
The apology
It’s only after Brody finally offers a sincere apology—not just for messing up, but for the kind of person he’s been—that the team fully accepts him. With trust finally earned, they regroup to take down the drug operation. And when Brody ends up trapped in an underwater cage during the final showdown, Mitch’s return lands perfectly—not as a savior, but as a partner stepping back in at the right moment.
The return of the goddess
Summer’s interest in Brody only becomes genuine once he has truly changed. Their eventual kiss isn’t just a typical romantic moment—it’s the natural outcome of Brody’s growth, his earned trust from the team, and the real connection they’ve built. This balance gives the story its emotional heart, making the romance feel meaningful rather than forced, and providing a satisfying conclusion to both the character arcs and the overall narrative.
Ira
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