Black Water: Abyss

Movie Trailer

Release Date
July 10, 2020

Genre
Horror, Thriller

Cast & Crew

• Jessica McNamee as Jennifer
• Luke Mitchell as Eric
• Amali Golden as Yolanda
• Benjamin Hoetjes as Viktor
• Anthony J. Sharpe as Cash

Director
Andrew Traucki

Other Movies Director is Known For

• The Reef (2010)
• Black Water (2007)
• The Jungle (2013)

Producer
Pam Collis, Neal Kingston, Michael Robertson

Writer
John Ridley, Sarah Smith

Budget
Estimated $5 million

Production Company
Thrills & Spills, Cornerstone Pictures, ProdigyMovies

Running Time
98 minutes

Languages
English

Maturity Rating
R (for some language and violence)

Content Advisory

• Intense peril
• Graphic violence
• Creature horror elements
• Strong language

Movie Story
“Black Water: Abyss” follows a group of friends who decide to explore a remote cave system in Northern Australia, hoping for an adventure. The group consists of Jennifer (Jessica McNamee), her boyfriend Eric (Luke Mitchell), Yolanda (Amali Golden), Viktor (Benjamin Hoetjes), and Cash (Anthony J. Sharpe). Their journey takes a terrifying turn when a sudden storm causes the cave to flood, trapping them inside with limited options for escape.

As the water level rises, the friends soon discover that they are not alone. Lurking in the depths is a deadly predator—a giant, man-eating crocodile. With the cave quickly filling with water, the group must find a way out before they are either drowned or devoured. The situation becomes increasingly desperate as tensions rise among the group, and their chances of survival diminish with each passing moment.

The film focuses on the themes of survival and the primal fear of being hunted. The claustrophobic setting of the flooded cave adds to the sense of dread, as the characters are forced to confront both the physical threat of the crocodile and their own personal fears. “Black Water: Abyss” is a tense, suspense-filled thriller that keeps the audience on edge as the group struggles against overwhelming odds.

Special Effects
The special effects in “Black Water: Abyss” are centered on the realistic depiction of the crocodile and the flooded cave environment. Practical effects are used effectively to create the sense of being trapped in a confined, water-filled space. The crocodile, while not always on screen, is depicted with enough realism to maintain the tension and fear throughout the film. The combination of practical effects with CGI is used to enhance the action sequences, particularly in the moments of confrontation between the characters and the crocodile.

Box Office Performance
“Black Water: Abyss” was released during the COVID-19 pandemic, which impacted its theatrical release. The film had a limited run in theaters, primarily in markets where cinemas were open, and was also distributed through video on demand (VOD). Its box office performance was modest, reflective of the challenges faced by films released during this period.

Filming Locations

• Gold Coast, Queensland, Australia

Notable Quotes

• “The water’s rising, and there’s something down here with us.”
• “We need to find a way out before it’s too late.”

Behind-the-Scenes
“Black Water: Abyss” is a standalone sequel to the 2007 film “Black Water,” which was also directed by Andrew Traucki. The film was shot in Queensland, Australia, using real cave systems to create the claustrophobic atmosphere crucial to the story. The actors underwent training to handle the challenging conditions of filming in water and tight spaces.

Awards

• None

Final Verdict
“Black Water: Abyss” is a gripping survival horror film that effectively uses its setting and creature to create an atmosphere of intense fear and suspense. While it doesn’t offer much in the way of groundbreaking storytelling, it succeeds as a tense, thrilling experience for fans of creature features and survival horror. The film’s strong performances and realistic effects make it a worthy addition to the genre.

IMDb Rating
4.6/10