Rent Underwater (2020)

Underwater review by Mark McPherson - Cinema Paradiso

Similar to the likes of The Abyss, Leviathan, Deep Blue Sea, Deep Rising, and a whole host of other similarly titled underwater horror pictures, Underwater never promises to be little more than the thrill one would expect. A drill deep in the ocean houses a crew that encounters a creature from the deep. Within the first few minutes, the remaining survivors are already running through rubble and fearing for their lives in an attempt to make it out alive. For being little more than that, this film succeeds on the level of thrills for terror under the sea with a slasher vibe.

Kristen Stewart gives us only a breathe internal monologue on her character before everything goes to hell. We know she’s a cynic, has doubts about working so deep underwater, and has a past she’d rather not talk about. And, BOOM, water shoots out of the walls and the drill starts collapsing. She wrangles up the remaining survivors and they form a plan of getting off the station which won’t be easy. Passages are blocked, transports are damaged, systems are failing, oxygen is running out, suits are broken, and other doors won’t open.

On top of all of that, there are some nasty creatures running amok on the station and ocean floor. I dig their designs, mostly concealed in the dark as they may be. They have nasty mouths, claws, and are stretchy enough to not only zing through the water but also eat people whole. This, of course, leads to the brilliantly gross sequence of one monster trying to eat one of the scientists in an underwater suit and gutting her way out of the creature. Good stuff. The monsters are also slowly shown in both evolution and presence, ranging from the weird-looking offspring in a well-lit area to a gigantic final form of the monster concealed in the darkness.

The cast is fine but they’re mostly locked in the survival scientist roles. Vincent Cassel is the stern captain making the tough calls and maybe even sacrificing himself for the greater good. T.J. Miller (can you tell this movie was shelved way back in 2017?) plays the cocky comic relief that is one panic attack away from screaming “game over, man.” Jessica Henwick is the meek scientist. John Gallagher Jr. and Mamoudou Athie round out the cast of characters who may or may not survive the adventure.

This film is a bit chaotic in its editing which may or may not enhance the intensity depending on how you dig this kinda film. Many moments transition in and out of the darkness. Scenes of being tossed about by the monsters are shaky and tough to make out at times. Personally, I think it works well for the setting that is already supposed to be overflowing with danger as station decompresses, explodes, and hisses with smoke and sparks. I especially dug how all of this is backed up by a brooding and brash soundtrack by Marco Beltrami and Brandon Roberts, mounting the synth and metal-like sounds that set the perfect tone.

Underwater is not going to garner the love of anyone not already adoring B-movie creature features. For being little more, the film offers just enough atmosphere to be an engaging experience. Those seeking anything more may be greatly let down but, hey, if you can’t appreciate some stellar creature design and Stewart’s most kick-ass of a closer line ever, that’s your loss. And you’re missing out on a fun film where monsters rip people apart.