Underwater

Movie Trailer

Release Date
January 10, 2020

Genre
Action, Horror, Sci-Fi, Thriller

Cast & Crew

• Kristen Stewart as Norah Price
• Vincent Cassel as Captain Lucien
• T.J. Miller as Paul Abel
• Jessica Henwick as Emily Haversham
• John Gallagher Jr. as Liam Smith
• Mamoudou Athie as Rodrigo Nagenda
• Gunner Wright as Lee Miller

Director
William Eubank

Other Movies Director is Known For:

• The Signal (2014)
• Love (2011)

Producer
Peter Chernin
Tonia Davis
Jenno Topping

Writer
Brian Duffield
Adam Cozad

Budget
$50–80 million

Production Company
Chernin Entertainment
20th Century Fox

Running Time
95 minutes

Languages
English (Original)

Maturity Rating
PG-13

Content Advisory

• Intense sequences of sci-fi action and terror
• Some disturbing images
• Language

Movie Story
Underwater is a tense and claustrophobic sci-fi horror film that plunges its characters into the terrifying depths of the ocean. The film begins with a catastrophic event that devastates an underwater drilling facility located seven miles beneath the surface of the Mariana Trench. Norah Price (Kristen Stewart), a mechanical engineer, is thrust into a fight for survival after an earthquake causes the facility to start collapsing.

As the crew struggles to escape, they discover that the disaster was not caused by a natural event, but by something far more sinister lurking in the deep. Joined by Captain Lucien (Vincent Cassel), Paul (T.J. Miller), Emily (Jessica Henwick), and a few other surviving members of the crew, Norah must navigate the treacherous and dark environment of the ocean floor to reach the safety of a nearby station.

However, their journey is fraught with danger as they encounter strange and deadly creatures awakened by the drilling operation. These creatures, hidden in the abyss for centuries, are now on the hunt, picking off the crew one by one. As the team’s numbers dwindle, Norah emerges as a determined and resourceful leader, pushing her limits to protect her fellow survivors and escape the horrors of the deep.

The film’s narrative builds on the primal fear of the unknown, with the deep ocean serving as an unforgiving and alien environment. The tension is heightened by the relentless pace of the film, as the crew faces not only the threat of the creatures but also the constant danger of their surroundings—flooding compartments, collapsing structures, and dwindling oxygen supply. The story culminates in a climactic confrontation with the monstrous entity responsible for the destruction, leading to a powerful and sacrificial decision by Norah.

Special Effects
Underwater relies heavily on special effects to create its immersive and terrifying underwater world. The film uses a combination of practical effects, miniatures, and CGI to bring the drilling facility and the ocean creatures to life. The visual effects are particularly effective in conveying the claustrophobic and disorienting nature of the deep-sea environment, with dark, murky water and flickering lights adding to the sense of dread. The creature design is also a standout, with the monsters being both otherworldly and terrifying, enhancing the film’s horror elements.

Box Office Performance
Underwater had a modest box office performance, grossing approximately $41 million worldwide against a production budget estimated between $50 and $80 million. Released in January 2020, the film faced competition from other releases and did not generate significant buzz, though it has since gained a following among fans of sci-fi horror.

Filming Locations

• New Orleans, Louisiana, USA
• Pinewood Studios, Atlanta, Georgia, USA

Notable Quotes

• “We drilled too deep. We’ve awakened something.” – Norah Price
• “There’s a reason we don’t go into the deep ocean. It’s not for us.” – Captain Lucien
• “We have to keep moving. There’s nothing left for us here.” – Norah Price

Behind-the-Scenes
Underwater was in development for several years before finally being greenlit, with production beginning in 2017. The film was influenced by classic sci-fi horror films like Alien and The Abyss, with a focus on creating a tense, survival-horror atmosphere. Kristen Stewart was cast as the lead, with the filmmakers praising her ability to convey both vulnerability and strength in her portrayal of Norah Price. The film’s underwater scenes were shot on sound stages, with extensive use of practical effects to simulate the pressures and conditions of deep-sea environments.

Awards

• N/A

Final Verdict
Underwater is a gripping and atmospheric sci-fi horror film that delivers on tension and thrills. Kristen Stewart leads the cast with a strong performance, and the film’s special effects create an immersive and terrifying underwater world. While it may not have made a significant impact at the box office, Underwater stands out as a solid entry in the genre, particularly for fans of claustrophobic horror and survival stories. Its relentless pace and effective scares make it a worthwhile watch for those who enjoy deep-sea terror.

IMDb Rating
5.9/10