Review: Renny Harlin’s Double-Dip Disaster in ‘Deep Water’
Renny Harlin’s latest film, “Deep Water,” brings a sense of nostalgia for those familiar with his 1999 hit, “Deep Blue Sea.” While the original film featured intelligent sharks and a plot centered on Alzheimer’s research, Harlin attempts to recapture that essence, albeit with mixed results.
About “Deep Water”
Set to release on May 1, “Deep Water” is a neo-‘70s disaster film, yet its title fails to convey the chaos that unfolds. The movie tells a gripping story about an airline disaster, featuring an intercontinental flight from Los Angeles to Shanghai.
Main Characters and Plot Overview
- Aaron Eckhart plays the First Officer, a relatable character dealing with personal trauma.
- Ben Kingsley portrays the captain, a jaded retiree whose antics include karaoke moments before the disaster.
- Angus Sampson is introduced as Dan, a chain-smoking passenger whose suitcase becomes crucial to the plot.
Mid-flight, a fire erupts from Dan’s suitcase, leading to a catastrophic plane crash in the ocean. Out of 257 passengers, approximately 30 survive, and the wreckage offers little hope for rescue.
The Shark Threat
As the survivors cling to floating debris, they face yet another peril—mako sharks. These creatures evoke memories of “Jaws,” but “Deep Water” lacks the suspense, relying more on gore than on building tension. The shark attacks are graphic, often resorting to shocking visuals rather than a build-up of fear.
Character Dynamics and Thematic Elements
The film attempts to weave in human connections, notably between Eckhart’s character and a young orphan named Cora. However, these dramatic arcs feel underdeveloped, serving mainly as a backdrop for the unfolding chaos. “Deep Water” ultimately delivers a mix of disaster and survival, echoing the genre’s historical penchant for sensationalism.
In conclusion, while “Deep Water” may not rise to the heights of Harlin’s earlier work, it offers a straightforward survival narrative filled with action and peril, characteristic of disaster films. It stands as a reflection of the genre’s past, encapsulating its essence even if it doesn’t quite reach the same level of intrigue.
