The Dive

            It’s that time of year when you see all your friends’ Instagram feeds filling up from trips at some cozy- looking beach. However, those pictures are often a façade because beneath those crystal blue waters  lie dangers that your mind has not yet considered. I, on the other hand, have been compiling a list that will keep me safe from the 1001 ways the ocean wants to kill you. My strategy?  Avoiding the ocean altogether. Just when I thought my list was complete,  along  comes The Dive, and now there are 1002 ways the ocean wants to kill us.

May (Louisa Krause) and Drew (Sophie Lowe) enjoy going diving together, a tradition they’ve upheld  since childhood.  For this particular trip they’ve selected quite the exotic location, the kind that screams solitude-no one else around for miles. There are no worries though, as both May and Drew are experienced divers and have come prepared for a great time. After stashing extra tanks and their belongings beneath a cluster of rocks, they make their way for the water, ready for a classic underwater cave exploration. Initially, everything goes swimmingly, but then disaster strikes, as the cliffside above them comes crashing down above them. After getting her bearings, Drew starts to look for May, who she can’t see or hear. After venturing out into the ocean, she finally hears her only to discover that she’s trapped beneath fallen rocks. To add to the challenge, May’s tank is only half full, leaving  Drew on a ticking clock to save her sister’s life.

The Dive is a remake of the Swedish film Breaking Surface, penned and directed by Joachim Hedén. In this rendition, is Maximillian Erlenwein taking the reins of the script as well as behind the camera. Exchanging  the original film’s frigid setting for a warmer environment, the shift in location also brings about a change in mood. While the Nordic version often exuded gloom, The Dive transports us to a much brighter and friendlier locale, that looks pretty idyllic. I won’t lie- I ‘d be down to visit this spot. However, it really looks like they need to put some “watch for falling rock” signs so people are aware of what might happen. The other big difference from the original movie, is that we get to spend more time with the trapped sister, which I feel takes away from what the movie is trying to achieve.

For fans of tension, The Dive is an ideal choice, it excels at building suspense. Where it falters is trying to add a backstory, one that the movie doesn’t seem keen in exploring fully, just leaving questions about the narrative. Fortunately, this issue is minor and only mildly distracts form the overall experience. For horror fans, The Dive has plenty of bounty, as it really delivers a convincing depiction of being trapped underwater. The decision to maintain it in real-time, intensifies the film, and  keeps you on the edge of  your seats.  The Dive keeps it simple, with high tension, and reminds us all the safest way to see what’s in the ocean is in the movies.