The movie version of The Deep End of the Ocean, starring Michelle Pfeiffer as Beth and Whoopie Goldberg as Candy, debuted in 1999. The script follows the book with a few notable changes. In the script, Cecil has died; in the book, she is in a mental institution. Whoopie Goldberg does not fit the book's description of Candy, but portrays her believably. The Mr. Showbiz Movie Guide comments that director Ulu Grosbard presents a "highly modulated, tasteful psychological drama that also features an intelligent script from Vanity Fair journalist turned hot movie scribe du jour Stephen Schiff."

The review complements Pfeiffer on a "noteperfect performance . . . subtly full of quiet rage and heartbreak" and Jonathan Jackson, as Vincent, calling his performance "star-making". The film is criticized for its lack of tension and weakness in the character of Ben's adoptive father, played by John Kapelos. It does, however, excuse some of...