Black Water: Abyss (2020) is a thriller and survival horror film directed by Andrew Traucki, who is known for his work in the genre of nature-based thrillers. It is a loose follow-up to the 2007 film Black Water, which similarly dealt with characters trapped in a dangerous environment and facing off against a deadly predator. Black Water: Abyss shifts the focus to a different, yet equally terrifying, setting: a flooded cave system in the Australian outback.

Plot:

The plot of Black Water: Abyss revolves around a group of friends who decide to explore a remote and uncharted cave system in Northern Australia. The group, led by an adventurous couple, follows a guide into the underground labyrinth, looking for thrills and a sense of adventure. However, things take a deadly turn when they find themselves trapped in the cave system, and they soon discover that a massive saltwater crocodile is hunting them down.

As the water level continues to rise, the group must figure out how to survive, escape the cave, and avoid becoming the crocodile’s next meal. The film is built around a simple but effective premise—characters are trapped in a confined space, cut off from the outside world, with a deadly predator hunting them. The plot builds tension by focusing on the group’s struggle to stay alive and escape, with the looming threat of the crocodile adding to the suspense.

Cast:

• Jessica McNamee as Lisa: The film’s lead character, who is one of the group members that finds herself trapped in the cave system and must work with the others to survive the deadly situation.

• Luke Mitchell as James: Lisa’s boyfriend, who joins the group on the ill-fated trip and becomes a central character in the group’s attempts to escape.

• Amali Golden as Natalie: One of the friends who is part of the group, and a character whose decisions and actions play a significant role in the group’s survival.

• Anthony J. Sharpe as Viktor: The experienced guide who leads the group into the cave system but becomes increasingly unsure about how to escape the dangerous situation.

The characters are relatively typical for this type of survival thriller, with various personalities and skill sets that add tension and dynamics to the group as they try to navigate the horrors of the situation.

Direction & Tone:

Directed by Andrew Traucki, Black Water: Abyss follows a similar format to his earlier works, using tension, minimalistic environments, and natural horror to generate suspense. Traucki is skilled at creating slow-burn thrillers where the environment becomes a character in itself, and the sense of claustrophobia and isolation plays a key role in the narrative.

The tone of the film is dark and tense, leaning heavily into the primal fear of being hunted by a deadly predator. The film builds tension gradually, using both the crocodile threat and the group’s internal conflicts to drive the story. The setting of the flooded cave system, a confined and dangerous environment, is a perfect backdrop for the slow build-up of suspense, as every movement and decision carries life-or-death consequences.

Cinematography:

The cinematography of Black Water: Abyss plays an essential role in creating the claustrophobic atmosphere that enhances the tension. The tight cave spaces, dimly lit by flashlights and torches, keep the audience on edge. The film also uses underwater shots, emphasizing the murky and dangerous water that the characters are trapped in. The visuals are designed to convey both the beauty of the outback and the oppressive sense of danger, using shadows, low light, and water to create a menacing environment.

The action sequences, particularly the encounters with the crocodile, are shot with an emphasis on close-ups and quick cuts, creating a sense of urgency and chaos. The balance between slow-paced tension and fast-paced moments of attack is key to the film’s effectiveness in keeping the audience hooked.

Themes:

• Survival: Like many thrillers set in nature, survival is at the core of Black Water: Abyss. The characters must use their wits and teamwork to survive, with the constant threat of the crocodile and the rising water pushing them to their limits.

• Isolation: The setting—deep within a remote cave system—enhances the sense of isolation, with the group cut off from any help and at the mercy of the environment. This isolation builds psychological tension, as the characters not only face external threats but also deal with their own fears and personal conflicts.

• Fear of the Unknown: The threat of the crocodile, a creature that is not only physically imposing but also moves swiftly through the murky waters, represents the unknown and primal fears. The characters’ lack of control over their surroundings—especially in such a confined and dark space—adds to the horror of the situation.

• Trust and Leadership: As the group struggles to survive, there is a tension over who should take charge and make decisions. The leadership dynamic shifts throughout the film, as characters argue over how best to survive and escape.

Pacing:

The pacing of Black Water: Abyss is steady but slow-burning, as it takes time to develop the characters and the tension before the crocodile attacks begin. Once the action picks up, the pacing becomes faster, with rapid cuts between the characters’ desperate attempts to survive and the looming threat of the predator. The film’s pacing is effective in keeping the audience engaged, building suspense while delivering the occasional intense action sequence.

Critique:

One of the main criticisms of Black Water: Abyss is that it doesn’t offer much new compared to similar survival thrillers. The premise is straightforward, and while it executes the basic elements well, some viewers may find it predictable or formulaic. Additionally, the character development could have been deeper, as some of the characters are more archetypical than fully realized individuals.

However, for fans of animal survival thrillers and intense, isolated horror, Black Water: Abyss does provide a satisfying experience with its tense atmosphere, beautiful cinematography, and thrilling moments.

Final Verdict:

Black Water: Abyss (2020) delivers a suspenseful and thrilling experience, capitalizing on its unique setting and the terrifying presence of a massive crocodile. With strong performances and a tense atmosphere, it’s a great choice for fans of survival horror and nature-based thrillers. While the story may not offer groundbreaking new elements, it succeeds in delivering a gripping, high-stakes adventure that keeps viewers on the edge of their seats.