Black Water: Abyss (2020) is a survival thriller directed by Andrew Traucki, bringing audiences back to the tense, crocodile-infested waters of the original Black Water (2007) with a fresh setting and a new group of characters. Set in the remote jungles of Northern Australia, this sequel ups the ante by trapping its characters in an underground cave system, combining the suspense of a claustrophobic setting with the terror of lurking predators.

The plot follows five friends—Eric (Luke Mitchell), Jennifer (Jessica McNamee), Yolanda (Amali Golden), Viktor (Benjamin Hoetjes), and Cash (Anthony J. Sharpe)—as they embark on a caving adventure in the lush wilderness. However, after a storm floods the cave system, they quickly find themselves trapped. As they try to find a way out, they realize they aren’t alone; a massive, hungry crocodile prowls the dark waters, forcing them into a desperate fight for survival.

One of the film’s strengths lies in its atmospheric tension. The confined, dark spaces of the cave amplify feelings of dread, and the cinematography captures the suffocating isolation, making the danger feel close and inescapable. The survival element is heightened by the film’s use of natural lighting and minimal CGI, with the crocodile portrayed in a realistic, low-key manner to maintain suspense rather than revealing it outright.

While the film provides some nail-biting moments, critics have noted that it falls short of fully capitalizing on its setting and premise. The character development is minimal, leaving the protagonists feeling somewhat underdeveloped, which can detract from the emotional impact of their peril. The story follows familiar beats of survival horror, which, while effective, can feel predictable to seasoned viewers of the genre.

However, Black Water: Abyss succeeds in delivering a straightforward, intense thriller with plenty of jump scares and atmospheric tension. The cave’s underwater passages, narrow tunnels, and eerie silence all contribute to an unsettling experience that keeps viewers on edge. For fans of creature features or those in search of an adrenaline-pumping survival thriller, Black Water: Abyss offers an engaging escape into the dark, dangerous world of underwater terror.