Underwater (2020), directed by William Eubank and starring Kristen Stewart, is a tense and claustrophobic sci-fi horror film that plunges audiences into the terrifying unknown of the ocean depths. Combining elements of Alien (1979) and The Abyss (1989), this film delivers a relentless survival story filled with eerie visuals, heart-pounding action, and an unsettling sense of isolation. While it may not redefine the genre, Underwater successfully creates an atmospheric and nerve-wracking experience.
The film wastes no time setting the stage for its horror. Within the first few minutes, a catastrophic breach at an underwater drilling station leaves mechanical engineer Norah Price (Kristen Stewart) and a small group of survivors trapped at the bottom of the ocean. With their station collapsing around them, they must journey across the ocean floor to reach another facility while battling the growing realization that they are not alone. What begins as a simple survival mission quickly escalates into a nightmarish encounter with mysterious and monstrous creatures lurking in the abyss.
One of the film’s greatest strengths is its relentless pacing. Unlike many horror films that take time to establish their setting, Underwater thrusts viewers into the chaos almost immediately. This fast-paced storytelling keeps the tension high, leaving little room for exposition but ensuring that the audience remains on edge. The claustrophobic cinematography enhances the suspense, using dim lighting, tight spaces, and murky waters to create a suffocating atmosphere that mirrors the characters’ desperation.
Kristen Stewart delivers a strong performance as Norah, carrying the film with a mix of resilience and vulnerability. Her character is reminiscent of Sigourney Weaver’s Ripley from Alien—a reluctant hero forced to confront unimaginable terror. Stewart’s portrayal adds depth to the film, making Norah a compelling protagonist who balances emotional weight with physical endurance. The supporting cast, including Vincent Cassel and T.J. Miller, provide additional layers to the group dynamic, though some characters lack sufficient development due to the film’s breakneck speed.
Visually, Underwater excels in its depiction of the deep-sea environment. The film’s production design effectively conveys the immense pressure and isolation of being miles below the surface, and the creature design is both eerie and fascinating. As the film progresses, the horror elements become more Lovecraftian, culminating in a jaw-dropping reveal that pays homage to cosmic horror legends. The final act is a spectacle of tension and terror, with stunning visuals that elevate the film’s sense of scale and dread.
However, while Underwater is a thrilling ride, it does suffer from some shortcomings. The rapid pacing, while effective in maintaining suspense, sacrifices character development and emotional depth. The film could have benefited from more time to explore its characters’ backstories and motivations, allowing the audience to form stronger connections with them. Additionally, while the creature designs are impressive, their presence is sometimes overshadowed by the film’s reliance on darkness and quick-cut editing, making it difficult to fully appreciate their terrifying nature.
In conclusion, Underwater is an intense and atmospheric sci-fi horror film that thrives on tension, suspense, and strong visuals. Kristen Stewart’s performance, combined with the film’s relentless pacing and eerie deep-sea setting, makes for an engaging experience. While it may not break new ground in the genre, it delivers a solid dose of underwater terror that will keep viewers on the edge of their seats. Fans of films like Alien and The Descent will find much to enjoy in this deep-sea nightmare.
