Underwater

Starring: Kristen Stewart, Vincent Cassel, Mamoudou Athie, T.J. Miller, John Gallagher Jr., Jessica Henwick, Gunner Wright
Directed by: William Eubank
Rating: PG-13
Genre: Action, Horror, Science Fiction
2020

Times Seen:
Tim: 1

Summary: A crew of researchers working miles below the ocean must fight for survival after a mysterious earthquake destroys their facility.

Review:

Tim: I think Underwater was treated unfairly by critics. It didn't get terrible reviews, but I think this is an underrated movie. It's flawed and it owes more than a little to movies like Alien, but there's enough here to hold our attention. This might not be a great movie, but I thought it was a good one. It's a tightly focused, 1 hour 35 minute film that kept me interested. It's ultimately not memorable enough, but it's still good.

The movie combines a number of themes and focuses that tend to work well. First off, the movie takes place 7 miles below the surface of the ocean. This is a tremendous setting for a film and it recalls the pressure-crushing environment in films like The Abyss. There's something so frightening about the deepest parts of the ocean, an environment so inhospitable to human life. The movie takes place either in a claustrophobic research facility, or in the open water in diving suits (which are even more claustrophobic). On top of this, the film is a monster movie- it taps into that mysteriousness of the ocean's trenches and the unknown life forms that could be discovered there. The monsters here aren't as cool or iconic as the Xenomorphs, but they do keep you on the edge of your seat. Finally, the film features some strong female leads, which is always welcome.

I want to dive (ha) into the cast, because there's no doubt they elevate this movie. Kristen Stewart is quite good in the lead role. She gives a strong performance. You may not identify with her character to the extent that you should, but you grow to care about her and feel nervous when she's in harm's way. Stewart is no Sigourney Weaver and her Norah Price is no Ellen Ripley, but that was obviously the idea. I had fun watching Stewart play a role that owes much to Weaver's fantastic role. I'm a big fan of Jessica Henwick and I really enjoyed her here, too. She plays a very different character, but it was fun seeing her and Stewart interact. I really like that the film featured these two women so predominately.

Vincent Cassel is always good and that was true here. He just has this quality to him that makes me like him, no matter who he's playing. He's very much a supporting character here, but he does good work in the role. I really like what T.J. Miller brings to films like this. Yes, he almost always plays the same version of himself, but his comic relief is essential in a film like that. He had a few good lines (and many that didn't quite connect), but it's his effort and energy that makes the biggest difference. I know John Gallagher Jr.'s face, but I was less familiar with him. I've seen him in small roles in multiple films. He's good here in his role. The cast is strong and it's a big reason I enjoyed the movie.

The visual effects are fine. It's obvious that the budget wasn't big enough. The movie was criticized for its very many murky scenes and this is a warranted complaint. There's still some cool visuals and it's impressive what was done considering not having the budget needed.

Now, while I did like Underwater, I recognize that it's mostly recycling ideas from far better films. I don't know if there's a single original idea in the movie. That's somewhat problematic and the movie is worse for it. That being said, director William Eubank packages those recycled pieces together in a way that's fairly compelling. I might never have loved the movie, but I was interested in the characters and felt some emotional investment in the story. I wanted them to live. The movie wisely doesn't overstay its welcome, so I never felt bored. I was focused for the duration of the film.

Underwater has its flaws, but I enjoyed the movie for what it was. I had fun watching it and while I wouldn't proactively sing its praises, it's a solid film.

Rating 1-10
Tim's Rating- 7



If You Enjoyed This Movie, We Recommend: Alien, The Abyss