When it comes to survival thrillers, audiences have seen characters trapped in all sorts of dire situations, but 12 Feet Deep (2017) takes the concept of claustrophobia to new heights, both literally and figuratively. Directed by Matt Eskandari, this gripping film places its protagonists in an unimaginable scenario that blends isolation, fear, and resilience, set in an ordinary yet perilous location: a public swimming pool.

12 Feet Deep follows two sisters, Bree (Nora-Jane Noone) and Jonna (Alexandra Park), who visit a local swimming pool for a relaxing day. However, their trip turns into a nightmare when they are accidentally locked inside a pool’s underwater diving area overnight. As the hours drag on and their situation grows more dire, they must figure out how to escape from the submerged cage-like structure before they run out of air or hope.

With no immediate way to communicate with the outside world, the two sisters must navigate the tension that builds not only between them, but also within themselves. As their physical and emotional stamina are tested, they must confront their fears, insecurities, and buried secrets. The film keeps viewers on edge as the sisters battle to survive against time, water, and their growing desperation.