Dave Not Coming Back

I agree w other reviews that this film is short on details and long on self-aggrandizement.tthe divers were ill prepared and infuriatingly casual about the risk. When Dave says he's not really there to retrieve the body and giddily relates he's just doing it as a fun adventure. Don is lucky he's alive.

What should have been a gripping breakdown on the many perils of cave diving and the people who risk their lives doing it instead delivers a sketchy collection of disjointed interviews, re-enactments and talking heads. Basically, if you weren't in Dave's immediate social circle you'd have no idea what was happening here. The filmmaker is working on the assumption that everyone watching is fully aware of the backstory, protagonists and the incredibly complex technical aspects of cave diving equipment.

Who are these people? What do they do? Where are they from? What did cave divers outside their circle think of this expedition? (The cave diving world is tiny). How does a re-breather work? How was this cave formed? (It's in the middle of the Kalahari). Why didn't they consult a coroner or pathologist to determine the challenges of removing a 10 year old corpse. This list goes on...

On the plus side whoever scored the music for this film did a first class job, it's excellent.

I was interested in this based on a video I saw online. I liked the 12 minute video version better for reasons outlined in other reviews. You can find that video by searching for: QXIR Diver Lost Footage

If you like that then maybe this longer documentary with less detail might be right for you.

The documentary starts with a well filmed overview of the site and appears as though it will be interesting. From there we seem to go all over the place. Back and forth, present day, historical, recent past... It just got a little confusing. Not sure if it was in the editing or the people in in it, but apart from Dave's wife, did not feel a real connection with some of the divers in it. Not saying the people weren't engaging or nice people, they just didn't come across engaging on the camera or documentary. There was another really well made doco with Scandinavian divers who retrieved a body from depth and that was compelling, interesting and gave a sense of the claustrophobic underwater surroundings but this just didn't have that same connection with the viewer. Shame really. And no disrespect to the lost divers.

A brilliant recreation of the actual events by the divers tailored with the actual archival footage. Must watch for anyone with interest in cave diving or technical dives as it brings about multiple aspects regarding the same. Knowing such events have actually happened and the ever present risks in diving add an immersive dimension to the film. The music at times is also noticeably appropriate. Technical Dives are for people who are absolutely passionate about this hobby but some dives should better be left to "The Best Divers on their very Best Days." The movie also brilliantly captures the emotions of the people around this project bringing about a feeling of personal connection. This movie can at times really make you cross your fingers and hope for the best.