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“Underwater” (2020) is a science-fiction horror thriller directed by William Eubank. The film stars Kristen Stewart as Norah Price, a mechanical engineer working on a deep-sea drilling rig, along with a strong ensemble cast including Vincent Cassel and T.J. Miller. The movie combines claustrophobic survival horror with elements of deep-sea mystery, offering an intense viewing experience.

Plot Overview:

The story is set in a research and drilling facility located at the bottom of the Mariana Trench, about seven miles underwater. The film opens with a sudden catastrophe as an earthquake-like event causes the facility to suffer a catastrophic breach. Norah and a few other survivors must make their way across the ocean floor to another station, all while contending with pressure-induced dangers and a lurking, unknown menace from the deep.

Highlights:

1. Tense Atmosphere and Pacing: The film wastes no time, plunging viewers into the disaster from the opening minutes. The pacing remains relentless, as the crew scrambles to survive one deadly situation after another. The sense of urgency, combined with the claustrophobic underwater setting, creates a constant tension that makes for an edge-of-your-seat experience.
2. Kristen Stewart’s Performance: Stewart’s portrayal of Norah is compelling, and her character anchors the film. She brings a gritty, emotional weight to the role, portraying a resourceful but vulnerable protagonist struggling to stay alive in a nightmare scenario.
3. Creature Design: While the movie starts as a disaster-survival thriller, it gradually morphs into a creature feature. Without giving away too much, the film introduces mysterious, terrifying creatures from the deep that add to the terror. The design of these creatures is both eerie and intriguing, giving the film a Lovecraftian vibe, which fans of cosmic horror will appreciate.
4. Cinematography and Sound: The underwater visuals are beautifully haunting, emphasizing the darkness and isolation of the deep ocean. The murky, shadowy shots build suspense, and the use of sound plays a big part in amplifying the fear of the unknown, with strange noises and eerie silences contributing to the atmosphere.
5. Comparisons to Other Films: Underwater has drawn comparisons to films like Alien and The Abyss, with its blend of sci-fi, survival horror, and monster elements. While it may not reach the same iconic heights as these predecessors, it successfully builds on the established tropes of the genre.

Criticisms:

• Thin Character Development: The film focuses more on survival and action than on deep character arcs. While Stewart’s performance stands out, most of the supporting characters are underdeveloped, serving primarily as part of the survival narrative without much backstory or personal depth.
• Familiar Plot Elements: Some critics argue that the film doesn’t break much new ground in terms of its core plot. It follows a familiar survival horror formula, and while it’s effective, it doesn’t always offer surprising twists or innovations.

Verdict:

“Underwater” is a tightly paced, atmospheric survival thriller that blends deep-sea disaster with creature horror. Kristen Stewart delivers a strong performance, and the film’s setting and tension make for a gripping experience. Though it might not be groundbreaking in its storytelling, it succeeds in delivering suspense, thrills, and a terrifying underwater world. Fans of claustrophobic survival horror or creature features will likely enjoy it.