Underwater (2020) is a survival horror film directed by William Eubank that combines tense, claustrophobic thrills with a science fiction twist. Set in the deep ocean, the film takes place after a catastrophic drilling accident on an oil rig, leaving the survivors stranded on the ocean floor, surrounded by the unknown.
The movie stars Kristen Stewart as Norah Price, a mechanical engineer who is part of a crew working on a drilling rig. When an earthquake causes the rig to collapse, Norah and a small group of survivors must navigate their way through the depths of the ocean to reach safety. However, as they make their way through the dark, flooded wreckage of the rig, they realize that they are not alone. Something monstrous lurks in the depths, and they must fight to survive not only the physical dangers of the deep ocean but also the creatures that now inhabit it.
Underwater is a high-stakes survival thriller that blends elements of both creature horror and sci-fi. The film is relentless in its pacing, offering very little in terms of downtime or respite for its characters. From the first few moments, the audience is thrust into the action, and the tension never truly lets up. Norah and the others must work together to survive, using their wits and resourcefulness to avoid death at every turn. The ocean setting adds to the sense of isolation and danger, with the crushing pressure of the deep sea and the cold, dark waters only heightening the suspense.
Kristen Stewart’s performance is a standout. She portrays Norah with strength, vulnerability, and determination, providing the emotional anchor of the film. Stewart manages to bring depth to her character, which could have easily been one-dimensional in a film driven by action and survival. Her presence grounds the chaos of the film, and her emotional journey from survivor to leader is compelling.
The movie’s visuals are impressive, with the submerged rig and the vast, alien expanse of the ocean creating a haunting, oppressive atmosphere. The design of the underwater creatures is also a highlight. While the monsters themselves aren’t the primary focus of the film, their terrifying presence adds an extra layer of danger, with the suspense building around the uncertainty of what lurks in the dark.
Underwater isn’t a film that aims for deep character development or profound themes—it’s more focused on delivering a high-intensity survival experience. The plot is relatively simple, but it works within the context of the film’s narrow scope. The real thrill comes from the claustrophobic, high-stakes environment and the desperate fight for survival as the characters face increasingly insurmountable odds.
While the film doesn’t necessarily break new ground in the survival or monster-horror genre, it does succeed in providing an exciting and immersive experience. The tension is palpable, and the relentless pace ensures that viewers are never bored. The eerie atmosphere, the terrifying unknown of the deep sea, and the suspenseful chase for survival all contribute to making Underwater an engaging watch for fans of high-stakes, survival-based horror.
In summary, Underwater is a tightly paced, intense thriller that keeps the audience on edge from start to finish. It’s not a groundbreaking film, but it’s a solid, fun ride that delivers what fans of survival horror and creature features want: suspense, action, and a strong female lead battling against impossible odds. If you enjoy tense, fast-paced survival films with a dash of sci-fi horror, Underwater is a solid choice.
