Black Water: Abyss

Black Water: Abyss is a 2020 horror and survival movie directed by Andrew Traucki. It stars Jessica McNamee, Luke Mitchell, Amali Golden, Benjamin Hoetjes, and Anthony J. Sharpe. Traucki co-wrote the screenplay with John Ridley.

The movie follows a group of friends who venture into a remote cave system in Northern Australia. They want to explore the underground caverns and find a new route to the surface. Eric (Mitchell) and Jennifer (McNamee) are the most experienced spelunkers, while Viktor (Hoetjes) and Yolanda (Golden) are novices. Cash (Sharpe) is their guide.

The group plans a weekend getaway, but things go awry. The cave system quickly floods, trapping the group inside with little escape options. As they try to find a way out, they discover that they are not alone. The murky waters of the cave hide a deadly predator, a giant crocodile that has adapted to the cave's surroundings. The group must fight to survive against the crocodile while also dealing with their own fears and insecurities.

Black Water: Abyss offers a tense and claustrophobic survival story that will surely keep viewers on edge. The setting adds an extra layer of risk and danger, as the group is not only fighting the crocodile, but they also have to navigate the dark, narrow, and unfamiliar cave system. The fact that they are trapped adds urgency and desperation to their situation. They have to figure out how to survive with limited resources, no access to outside help, and no clear escape route.

The movie also explores the dynamics between the characters, particularly their relationships and personal struggles. Jennifer and Eric's relationship is tested as they face life and death situations together. Viktor and Yolanda's lack of experience and their fear of the unknown make them vulnerable to the crocodile and other dangers that they encounter. Cash's recklessness and arrogant attitude put the group in danger, particularly when he clashes with Eric. These conflicts and tensions reveal the characters' strengths and weaknesses, making them more complex and relatable.

Jessica McNamee and Luke Mitchell give solid performances, portraying their characters' courage, resilience, and vulnerabilities. They have good chemistry and provide some of the movie's most emotional and intense scenes. Amali Golden also stands out, delivering a convincing portrayal of Yolanda's fear and panic.

The movie's cinematography is also worth mentioning. The dark, murky waters of the cave add to the movie's atmosphere and tension. The lighting and the camera angles make viewers feel like they are right there with the characters, navigating the twists and turns of the cave system. The crocodile's appearances are well-timed and filmed, creating some jump scares and thrilling moments.

In conclusion, Black Water: Abyss is a solid survival and horror movie that offers suspense, thrills, and some character development. It's not a groundbreaking movie, but it delivers on what it promises - a scary and intense experience that will keep viewers on the edge of their seats. Fans of survival and horror movies should definitely give it a watch.