Kirsten Stewart is Norah, an engineer on the drill site in the Marianas Trench. It is the deepest point in the oceans and holds so much information and sea life in the uninhabitable depths which captivates us to wonder what truly is in the darkness.
This Sci/Fi, Thriller, Suspense movie was a surprise. I had expected it to be more of a disaster film than what it was, which is surprising. I had doubts that Kirsten Stewart had the chops to lead this cast. The pace is quick, but steady. There were no points of stagnation throughout.
The pace of the movie is its saving grace. We as the audience don’t have a lot of time to ponder questions that show up after the fact. Stewart does excellent work conveying fear, survival instincts and loyalty. The team that survives would not have without Norah.
The Captain (Vincent Cassell, usually playing the evil, baddie) plays against type by leading the team through the method of esc ape. T.J. Miller plays one of the researchers, who’s comedic responses lightens up the mood with dark comic relief. His lines are not his typical snide response. They are actually funny, quite humorous. The remaining crew members on the site are Emily, (Jessica Henwick, in Iron Fist) and Lee (John Gallagher Jr.).
This movie was surprising. Initially, it reminded me of the underwater monster movies that interspersed with visions of Aliens. If you like Kaiju movies and a couple of surprises, it may entertain you. However, you might walk away with more questions that were not resolved.
This might just be a secondary choice on movie night if your first choice is sold out. Or…I would wait until it hits cable.
2.5 out of 5 stars.
