A couple of divers go into the North Sea to carry out essential maintenance on the pipelines, they hit a snag and one of the team, Chris Lemons, breaks away, getting lost in the depths, a desperate mission to bring him back begins.
I'll start by saying, I did enjoy it, and after some of the atrocious films I've seen on the big screen recently, it did at least hold my attention. For me it looks and feels like a made for TV movie, the appeal was seeing Woody Harrelson.
In this day and age, with energy bills sky high, people are a lot more aware of underwater structures, such as pipes and energy lines, so it definitely has a relevance.
I have a massive phobia about open water, plus an appreciation for how much claustrophobia can really affect some people, this film has elements of both. It does pack in some tension and at times it leaves you feeling quite literally breathless.
I didn't feel particularly engaged with the characters on an emotional level, but that's the story I guess, they chose not to give them lengthy introductions.
Some of the camera work was good, best of all, the lighting, they got it spot on, it's suitably dark and gloomy, they never went overboard with the lights, smart choice.
It's worth taking another look at the documentary, it's still an incredible story of survival, it's a tremendous watch.
The acting was a mixed bag, I thought Mark Bonnar came across well, Harrelson was ok, I found Simu Liu a little wooden, I know he was playing the aloof, serious guy, but he just felt blank.
Overall it's a solid movie, I just feel that they didn't make the most out of a truly compelling and powerful story. I fear it'll be forgotten fairly quickly.
6/10.
