Review of Open Water (2004) by Steve E — 22 Feb 2009

I give this movie two stars instead of one simply because the plot is so easy to relate to that it evokes empathy for the stranded couple even though there is nothing likable about them. Their dialogue is so silly that it does spark a laugh or two but in the end is just boring.

The movies seems about three hours long because nothing really happens yet you keep watching thinking it's about to kick off and then it just ends. I'm not sure I've ever seen a movie with such potential fall so short.

Nonetheless I have to give it some credit for evoking emotion. The idea of being stranded and helpless out in the ocean is so plausible that the movies doe create an overwhelming sense of fear. I watched it with five other family members of varying ages and we were all left speechless and stressed when it finally ended.

There is just an overall sense of "what a drag, those poor people". However it doesn't come from anything the movie makers accomplished but rather from the plausibility of the scenario. If you enjoy feeling that dark numbness I would recommend watching Saw instead.