12 Feet Deep (2017), also known as The Deep End, is a psychological thriller that takes place almost entirely in a claustrophobic swimming pool. Directed by Matt Eskandari, the film presents a unique, tension-filled scenario where two sisters must survive after being accidentally trapped in a pool overnight. Despite its limited setting and simple premise, 12 Feet Deep effectively maintains suspense and emotional tension throughout.

Plot Overview:
The film follows two sisters, Bree (Nora-Jane Noone) and Jonna (Alexis Knapp), who visit a family-owned water park to take a dip in the pool. However, things take a dark turn when a freak accident causes them to become locked inside the pool overnight, trapped by a large, immovable cover. The lifeguard (played by Michael Ronan) who was supposed to lock up forgets to check, leaving them alone in the water with no way to escape.

As the hours pass, the sisters try to come up with various ways to escape, but the situation grows increasingly desperate. The film builds on the psychological tension of being trapped in a small space, with little hope of rescue. With limited food, water, and air, they begin to experience both physical and emotional breakdowns. To make matters worse, one of the sisters suffers from a health condition that complicates their already dire situation.

As they fight for survival, the sisters must also wrestle with their strained relationship, dealing with long-buried family issues that surface under the pressure of their confinement. With every passing hour, the threat of suffocation, dehydration, and emotional collapse grows more real.

Acting:
The film is driven by the performances of its two leads, Nora-Jane Noone and Alexis Knapp, who do an admirable job of portraying the emotional and physical toll of being trapped. Noone’s portrayal of Bree, the more responsible and grounded sister, contrasts well with Knapp’s portrayal of Jonna, who is more impulsive and emotional. Their performances are believable as they slowly begin to unravel due to their isolation and mounting desperation.

The supporting cast, though limited, also adds some depth, particularly Michael Ronan’s character, the well-meaning but incompetent lifeguard. His role is key to the plot’s central conflict, and he does a good job of playing someone who is unaware of the gravity of the situation until it’s too late.

Direction and Pacing:
Director Matt Eskandari keeps the pacing tight throughout the film, despite the fact that the setting remains the same for nearly the entire duration. The claustrophobic nature of the pool is skillfully utilized to build tension, and the cinematography makes great use of the confined space, making the audience feel just as trapped as the sisters. The close-up shots of the sisters’ faces, the pool’s eerie stillness, and the gradual deterioration of their mental and physical state all serve to heighten the sense of urgency and desperation.

The film doesn’t waste time with unnecessary filler, diving straight into the survival scenario. While the plot may feel repetitive to some due to the lack of location changes, it’s effective at creating a constant atmosphere of tension.

Themes:
12 Feet Deep touches on themes of survival, trust, and the complexities of family relationships. The confinement in the pool forces the sisters to confront unresolved issues from their past, including guilt, jealousy, and resentment. The film explores how survival instincts can bring out the best—and the worst—in people, as the sisters are forced to work together despite their differences to stay alive.

The film also explores the fragility of life and how quickly things can go wrong in a seemingly safe environment. The pool, which should have been a relaxing setting, becomes a metaphor for the traps people can find themselves in—physically, emotionally, and psychologically.