Release Date: August 2, 2016
Rating: Unrated
Running Time: 89 minutes
In The Deep dives into a world of two sisters (Mandy Moore and Claire Holt) who become trapped at the bottom of the ocean when a diving expedition to observe sharks goes horribly wrong. When the cable attaching the observation cage to the boat breaks and the cage sinks to the bottom of the ocean, the sisters must figure out a way to get back to safety battling injuries, lack of oxygen, and, worst of all, blood thirsty, great white sharks.
Directed by Johannes Roberts (The Other Side of The Door), In The Deep stars Mandy Moore (“This Is Us,” A Walk To Remember), Claire Holt (“The Vampire Diaries,” “The Originals”), Yani Gellman (“Pretty Little Liars,” “The Young And The Restless”), and Matthew Modine (Full Metal Jacket, The Dark Knight Rises).
***
I’ll admit, I was nervous when the movie began to play and I saw “Dimension Films” come across the screen. They’ve got a reputation for scaring the crap out of me. So after wrapping that around my head, I was able to settle into the movie and watch two awesome actresses lead a thrilling hour and a half ride under water.
Mandy Moore (Red Band Society, A Walk to Remember) and Claire Holt (The Originals, The Vampire Diaries) were just as engaging and fantastic as I’d hoped they would be playing two sisters who head to the sea for a shark adventure and get way more of an adventure than either of them wanted.
The story starts off pretty plainly with the expected tropes (the red herring, the broken heart that sets up for taking a chance on something new and exciting) to set up the real thrill of the two going on the shark diving expedition, sinking in the observation cage, and fighting for their lives.
Once the cable connecting the cage and the boat snaps, the movie really begins. Especially since Moore’s character was hesitant about, backed out of, and then was encouraged back into shark diving while Holt’s carefree character was all for it. Well, they both get what they expected to a certain extent. One, moreso than the other. If you want a spoiler, I will say that one of the sisters does not make it out alive. That’s all I’ll say about that.
In the Deep was deeply engrossing and gives viewers a terrifying look at what it could be like to be at the bottom of the ocean floor, with air running out, help coming not fast enough, and sharks knocking you off the top of the food chain. Moore and Holt are wonderful. Great casting all around, wonderful directing, and very entertaining storytelling. I was emotionally engaged and on the edge of my seat the entire time. Simply put, if you like shark movies like this, you won’t be disappointed.
Own In the Deep on DVD today.