Review of 47 Meters Down (2017) by Richard C — 01 Aug 2016

Let me start by saying I want this movie to succeed. I want it to be great. The Shallows was a really fine comeback for shark horror, and 47 Meters Down has potential to even surpass the former.

The first act sets up the story nicely, good pacing. Mandy Moore has an emotional scene that brings to question why she doesn't act in more films that would fit her talent. As we descend into the depths of the ocean, the film starts to loose me. Panic does naturally set in for the two leads, Lisa and Kate, but they soon start to act annoying and dumb. Throughout their plight, they forcefully explain what is going on in front of them, and describe the actions they take, rather than the filmmaker showing the audience. This tells me that the writing is not confident enough to let the already tense and great concept of getting trapped in a cage underwater play out realistically. Also, there are moments of fearful screaming that had me reacting in laughter instead of empathy and worry. Minor quibbles, but these things do add up for the importance of the film's experience.

The computer generated sharks look fantastic! The filmmakers use realistic lighting and don't expose the entire shark just because they can, no, it's more true to life that only portions of the shark would be seen.

Spoiler, the final act consists of a dream sequence that almost seems like an alternate ending utilized for effect. But that only works if the actual ending is even better, and it is not. In fact, this one feels like the dream sequence. Just because the coast guard comes to the rescue, it shouldn't mean the sharks retreated to a cave. And there's simply no resolution for Lisa! If after Lisa gets rescued and gets a call from her boyfriend asking to give their relationship another go, and she confidently declines because she knows she doesn't need him to feel fulfilled and alive--then there's some justification to her horrifying experience.

Now, since the film is going to be released in theaters for 2017, instead of the original VOD release, the hope is that the film will be improved upon, adjusting the flaws and solidifying the promising underwater thriller that it is.