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Director: John Barr
Starring: Odeya Rush, Eric Dane, Saffron Burrows, Ray Liotta
Rating: 5.2/10
Release Date: October 13, 2023
Genre: Thriller
Runtime: 101 minutes

Introduction to Dangerous Waters

Dangerous Waters (2023), directed by John Barr, is a survival thriller that promises high-stakes drama on the open sea. Starring Odeya Rush as Rose, Eric Dane as Derek, Saffron Burrows as Alma, and featuring one of Ray Liotta’s final performances as The Captain, the film follows a sailing trip that spirals into chaos when a teenage daughter uncovers the sinister secrets of her mother’s new boyfriend. Released on October 13, 2023, in select theaters and on video-on-demand platforms, the movie aims to blend psychological tension with action-packed survival thrills. Despite its intriguing premise and talented cast, Dangerous Waters struggles with predictable plotting and uneven execution, earning a modest 5.2/10 rating on IMDb. This 2000-word review explores the film’s narrative, performances, cinematography, and shortcomings, offering a comprehensive look at why it falls short of its potential while still delivering moments of entertainment.

Plot Summary: A Voyage Gone Wrong

Set in the Atlantic Ocean near the Dominican Republic, Dangerous Waters centers on 19-year-old Rose (Odeya Rush), who lives a tough, small-town life in Florida with her single mother, Alma (Saffron Burrows). When Alma’s new boyfriend, Derek (Eric Dane), invites them on a sailing trip to Bermuda, Rose is skeptical but joins to support her mother’s happiness. The trip begins with light-hearted moments, but Rose’s unease grows when she discovers an assault rifle on board, hinting at Derek’s shady past.

The plot takes a dark turn when the boat is ambushed by armed men, revealing Derek’s ties to a criminal underworld led by The Captain (Ray Liotta). Tragedy strikes as Alma is killed, leaving Rose to fend for herself against Derek and his dangerous associates. The story shifts into a survival thriller as Rose taps into her resilience and resourcefulness to escape and seek vengeance. While the premise of a young woman transforming from a reluctant teenager to a fierce survivor is compelling, the narrative often feels predictable, with plot twists that are telegraphed early on. The film’s final act veers into action territory, but its abrupt shifts in tone and questionable character development hinder its impact.

Themes Explored

Dangerous Waters touches on several themes, though they are not fully developed:

• Survival and Resilience: Rose’s journey highlights her inner strength as she faces life-or-death challenges.

• Betrayal and Trust: The unraveling of Derek’s true intentions underscores the dangers of misplaced trust.

• Vengeance: Rose’s quest for justice drives the latter half of the film, though it sometimes feels contrived.

These themes could have added depth, but the script’s reliance on clichés and shallow character motivations limits their resonance.

Performances: A Mixed Bag

The cast of Dangerous Waters is a highlight, though the performances vary in quality due to the script’s limitations.

Odeya Rush as Rose

Odeya Rush delivers a commendable performance as Rose, capturing the character’s evolution from a moody teenager to a determined survivor. Her expressive portrayal conveys Rose’s fear, grief, and growing resolve, making her the emotional anchor of the film. Rush’s action scenes, while occasionally implausible, showcase her potential as an action heroine. However, the script’s weak justification for Rose’s sudden combat skills—attributed to watching action movies and her late father’s military background—undermines her arc’s believability.

Eric Dane as Derek

Eric Dane’s portrayal of Derek is uneven. While he brings a charismatic edge to the role, his performance often feels exaggerated, with awkward shouting and over-the-top menace that clash with the film’s gritty tone. Dane’s chemistry with Rush is effective in their tense cat-and-mouse dynamic, but his character lacks depth, making Derek more of a caricature than a nuanced villain.

Saffron Burrows as Alma

Saffron Burrows is underutilized as Alma, Rose’s mother. She brings warmth to the role, but her limited screen time and early exit prevent her from making a lasting impact. The mother-daughter bond between Alma and Rose is a missed opportunity for emotional depth, as their relationship is only superficially explored.

Ray Liotta as The Captain

Ray Liotta’s brief appearance as The Captain is a bittersweet highlight. Despite his limited screen time, Liotta’s menacing charisma shines through, stealing every scene he’s in. His intense glare and sleazy charm make The Captain a memorable antagonist, though his role feels more like a cameo than a central figure. Liotta’s passing during filming in May 2022 adds an emotional weight to his performance, and the film is dedicated to his memory. However, his underdeveloped character and cringe-worthy dialogue (including awkward euphemisms) detract from what could have been a standout role.

Supporting Cast

The supporting cast, including minor roles like the pirates, adds little to the narrative. Their performances are functional but forgettable, with most characters serving as plot devices rather than fully realized individuals.

Cinematography and Production: Visual Strengths and Weaknesses

Filmed in the Dominican Republic, Dangerous Waters benefits from its scenic ocean setting, but the production quality is inconsistent. Director John Barr, who previously helmed Blood and Money, uses the confined space of the boat to create a claustrophobic atmosphere, but the film’s low budget is evident in its uneven execution.

Visuals and Setting

The cinematography captures the beauty and isolation of the open sea, with wide shots of the ocean contrasting the cramped interiors of the boat. The Dominican Republic’s picturesque waters add a layer of authenticity, but some scenes suffer from shaky camera work and poor lighting, particularly during night sequences. The action scenes, while energetic, often look staged, with unrealistic fight choreography that undercuts the film’s tension.

Editing and Pacing

The film’s editing is a significant weakness, with noticeable plot holes and jarring transitions. The pacing falters in the middle act, as Rose’s survival efforts drag before the abrupt shift to action-heavy sequences. These issues contribute to the film’s disjointed feel, making it hard for audiences to stay fully immersed.

Soundtrack

The score is serviceable but unremarkable, relying on generic thriller cues to heighten tension. The lack of a distinctive musical identity misses an opportunity to elevate the film’s emotional stakes.

Critical Reception and Audience Response

Dangerous Waters has received mixed reviews, with an IMDb rating of 5.2/10 and a Rotten Tomatoes score reflecting its polarizing reception. Critics have praised Odeya Rush’s performance and the film’s premise but criticized its predictable plot, weak dialogue, and unrealistic character arcs. The Guardian called it “unsubtle and faintly ludicrous” but noted its entertainment value, while Flickering Myth described it as “embarrassingly easy to see through.” Audience reactions are similarly divided, with some appreciating the B-movie thrills and others disappointed by the lack of polish.

Ray Liotta’s final performance has been a focal point, with fans and critics lamenting the brevity of his role. Director John Barr and Rush have spoken fondly of Liotta’s professionalism, with Barr praising his “powerful” final scene. However, the consensus is that the film doesn’t fully honor his legacy.

Why Dangerous Waters Falls Short

Despite its promising setup, Dangerous Waters struggles with several issues:

1. Predictable Plot: The narrative telegraphs its twists early, reducing suspense.

2. Weak Script: Laughable dialogue and underdeveloped characters hinder emotional investment.

3. Inconsistent Tone: The shift from psychological thriller to action flick feels forced and disjointed.

4. Limited Use of Liotta: Ray Liotta’s brief role feels like a missed opportunity to leverage his talent.

5. Production Shortcomings: Low-budget constraints lead to uneven editing and unpolished action scenes.

These flaws prevent the film from rising above its B-movie status, though it remains watchable for fans of survival thrillers.

Who Should Watch Dangerous Waters?

Dangerous Waters is best suited for:

• Fans of low-budget thrillers who enjoy “vacation-gone-wrong” stories.

• Viewers interested in Ray Liotta’s final performance, despite its brevity.

• Audiences who appreciate Odeya Rush’s emerging talent in action roles.

• Those looking for a quick, undemanding thriller with moments of tension.

If you’re expecting a polished, high-stakes thriller, you may be disappointed. However, as a B-grade film, it offers enough thrills to pass the time.

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Conclusion: A Missed Opportunity

Dangerous Waters (2023) had the potential to be a gripping survival thriller, with a talented cast and an intriguing premise. Odeya Rush shines as the resilient Rose, and Ray Liotta’s brief appearance leaves a lasting impression, but the film is weighed down by a predictable plot, weak script, and uneven production. While it delivers moments of entertainment, it fails to capitalize on its strengths, making it a forgettable entry in the thriller genre.

For fans of B-movies or those curious about Liotta’s final role, Dangerous Waters is worth a watch on streaming platforms like Hulu, Amazon Video, or Apple TV. However, those seeking a more polished cinematic experience may want to look elsewhere. The film serves as a bittersweet reminder of Liotta’s talent but falls short of being a fitting tribute to his legacy.

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