A Dive into Suspense: Reviewing the Disaster Thriller "Deep Water"

Drawing inspirations from classics such as "The Towering Inferno" and "Jaws," Renny Harlin's "Deep Water" offers a suspense-packed plot that pays homage to 1970's disaster films. The movie challenges conventional casting norms by making 82-year-old Ben Kingsley the pilot in charge of a risky flight from Los Angeles to Shanghai. Dotted with perilous moments-like the plane's heart-stopping descent into the Pacific Ocean-the movie rightfully plays into Harlin's repertoire as an action specialist.

The plot's main characters include Aaron Eckhart's Ben, who struggles with personal and professional issues, and a mixed bag of passengers, each with their unique quirks and traits. The movie employs a familiar trope from previous disaster movies with an aircraft malfunction caused by a reckless passenger. Harlin excels in ramping up the tension as chaos ensues onboard, leading to a dramatic crash into the ocean.

Once the aircraft crashes, the survivors face another terror in the form of mako sharks that begin hunting the passenger-cum-prey. Against this heart-pounding backdrop, the plot shifts focus to the survivors ensconced in the plane's remnants and their desperate fight for life.

The film breathes life into orders of brave flight attendants Penny and Zoe, who demonstrate courage amidst the fearful turmoil. Simultaneously, the film also explores the personal relationships and emotional battles of the survivors, often veering on the edge of sentimentality.

There are certain elements in the film inducing intrigue, like the duration of the obnoxious Dan's survival and the unexpected twist of Chinese fishermen turning up as rescuers-these add a unique charm to a rather predictable plot.

Though "Deep Water" might attract some criticism for its utilization of green screen and inconsistent American accents, it largely scores on the promise of a gripping disaster movie. With intense visuals and a tightly packed plot, this thriller might likely find a cozy spot among the streaming audience, especially among fans of the genre.