Dead Sea

This compact thriller was written and directed by Phil Volken and I confess that watching his work was a positive surprise. Logically, one cannot expect deep philosophical musings or deep personal dramas from this film. It is assembled around a daring and risky youth adventure, but at the same time, it is irresistibly attractive to the adventurous spirit of these two couples. A trip across the open sea on powerful jet skis to a deserted island near the coast with a beautiful beach to spend a day of leisure, sun and budding romance.

But on the return trip an unfortunate accident occurs. The machines collide with each other and one of the young people dies instantly. The other Xander (Koa Tom) is seriously injured and requires medical attention. The two young women Kaya (Isabel Gravitt) and Tessa (Genneya Walton) struggle to stay afloat and assist their friend in a sea infested with sharks. Then, a miracle happens, a fishing boat appears with only one crew member on board, Rey (Alexander Wraith) and proceeds to rescue the castaways.

I won't spoil what happens on board this rickety and sinister ship. But here's what I liked about this film. Clear narrative, realistic natural images of the sea and its dangers and a desperate fight for survival that is more credible than in other stories of this genre. The cast was very well chosen and the two young girls showed promise, particularly due to the role she had in the outcome, the work of Isabel Gravitt was highlighted.

I understand the need for light and shade but the first 20 minutes of Dead Sea was so sickly sweet, I almost turned it off. However, stay on course and bloody action is lurking just around the corner.

When the first kill arrives, it hits you like a wet trout across the face and that's when things really change tack.

Although mostly set on a boat, there's some ingenious ways the action moves around, creating a somehow agoraphobic and claustrophobic setting all at once.

If you can suspend your disbelief, the premise and novel location make for a fun stalky slasher with some satisfying kills and suspenseful moments. Fans of nautical nightmare classics like Dead Calm (1989) and Triangle (2009) should jump on board Dead Sea.

Nick @WatchItWombat.

The vast, cerulean expanse of the open ocean, initially promising sun-drenched adventure for Kaya (Isabel Gravitt) and her friends, soon morphs into a terrifying stage for survival in "Dead Sea." The film masterfully utilizes its maritime setting to cultivate a pervasive atmosphere of dread and isolation. Sweeping aerial shots of their small jet skis against the seemingly endless horizon emphasize their vulnerability, a feeling amplified by the unsettling silence punctuated only by the roar of the engines and the distant cries of seabirds. This initial tranquility is shattered by the fatal accident, the sudden shift in tone underscored by jarring sound design and a frantic, handheld camera style that throws the viewer into the chaos.

The claustrophobic confines of the rescuing fishing trawler then become the primary setting for the film's suspense. The creaking hull, the dim, flickering lights, and the ever-present rocking of the boat create a sense of unease long before the sinister intentions of Captain Rey and Doctor Hunt are revealed. The plot unfolds with a deliberate build-up of tension. The initial relief of rescue slowly curdles into suspicion as Xander's condition worsens and the behavior of the crew becomes increasingly unsettling. The reveal of the organ trafficking operation is a gut punch, shifting the film from a survival narrative into a desperate escape thriller. Kaya's frantic flight through the narrow corridors of the boat and the ensuing cat-and-mouse chase with Rey are expertly paced, maximizing suspense in the confined space.

Isabel Gravitt's portrayal of Kaya is a standout, anchoring the film's emotional core. In the initial moments of panic after the accident, her wide, tear-filled eyes and trembling voice vividly convey her fear and desperation. As the situation escalates, Gravitt subtly shifts Kaya's demeanor, her initial vulnerability hardening into a steely resolve. A particularly impactful scene shows Kaya's silent determination as she tends to Tessa's injuries, her focused gaze and tight jaw communicating a fierce protectiveness. Even in moments of extreme duress, such as her desperate escape from Hunt, Gravitt imbues Kaya with a raw physicality and unwavering will to survive.

The slow-burning dread is palpable throughout the first half of the film. The idyllic jet ski trip is subtly undercut by a sense of foreboding, perhaps in the vast emptiness of the ocean itself. The unsettlingly calm demeanor of Captain Rey initially masks his true nature, creating a sense of unease that gradually intensifies. This slow build allows the audience to invest in the characters' initial plight before the true horror of their situation is unveiled. The moments of brutality, such as the implied harvesting of Xander's organs and Kaya's violent confrontation with Hunt, are stark and impactful, serving to underscore the ruthlessness of the antagonists and the high stakes of Kaya's survival.

"Dead Sea" grapples with themes of the fragility of life, the darkness that can lurk beneath a veneer of normalcy, and the indomitable nature of the human spirit in the face of unimaginable adversity. Kaya's journey is a testament to resilience, her will to survive fueled by the desire to protect herself and her friend. In the context of maritime horror, the film shares similarities with the isolated and perilous scenarios of "Open Water," but introduces the added dimension of human predation, reminiscent of the tense cat-and-mouse dynamics of "Dead Calm," albeit within a more confined setting.

Ultimately, "Dead Sea" offers a gripping and unsettling cinematic experience. It leverages its atmospheric maritime setting, a suspenseful plot filled with shocking twists, and a compelling lead performance to deliver a recommendable thriller that lingers long after the credits roll.

No pun intended - death is only the beginning could be a subtitle of the movie too by the way. But weird stuff aside, this starts off quite nicely ... and then sort of devolves and falls short later on. The lost at sea routine is one thing ... the cliches that come up when the inciting incident happens ... well I don't know what to say and call them, but they do not help or improve the movie.

I reckon this is not for sensitive people - then again the title might suggest that too. Acting is alright if you consider this being a low budget horror thriller - with some social commentary I guess ... but that is not the main point. It is about the female main characters and their ... struggle ... dare I say trying to swim out of a crazy situation ... is that a pun? Well it is for this movie.

Jays and Tessa (played by Isabel Gravitt and Genneya Walton) decide to go on an ocean trip from Florida to the Bahamas (and so, crossing into international waters and then an entirely different country) on a couple of jet skis with a couple of guys they barely know. That's not very smart - so, while of course you don't want to fall into a "blame the victim"" mentality, it's OK to think of the writers: "This is the best you could come up with?" Things don't go well, of course. The boys end up dead and the girls fall into the clutches of some very evil people after a horrific collision between the two jet skis.

There's lots of pointless filler in this - surprising since its run time is only 1:27, but true. But the basic problem here is that it's a "Suspense" movie that lacks much in the way of suspense. It's a time waster that feels like a waste of time. Gravitt and Walton are OK, but no better than that. The movie is dry; It fails to engage on any level.

It feels like a story that's been told a thousand times before, with each time just needing a bit of retweaking. It isn't awful. It just isn't necessary. (4/10)