In Black Water: Abyss, a group of friends explore a remote cave system deep in the forests of Northern Australia when a tropical storm hits. As rising flood waters trap them deep below the surface, something even deadlier emerges from the darkness – killer crocodiles. Black Water: Abyss is the follow-up to the horror film Black Water which became an underground hit when it was released in 2007. | RT: 98 minutes
In Theaters and On Demand August 7, 2020
Commentary: Sigh. I sat down to watch this follow up flick to Black Water hoping for some intense, claustrophobic thrills. Black Water: Abyss was said to combine underwater cave exploration with monster crocs. Granted it does contain those but neither deliver the punch needed. The film starts out predictable and formulaic then tries to breathe life into every possible cliche known. The characters are stiff and seem uncomfortable in their own skin. We later get some secret drama that might be the cause, but watching is just boring.
Once they reach the caves and go exploring it gets a tad better. We at least get the sense that something bad is about to happen and the anticipation of the creatures keeps us hanging on. The film is shot so that we feel underground. It is dark though and the inability to see much detail takes you in and out of the moment.
Still I was holding out hope for some in your face toothy crocodile attacks. The attacks come and they are intense but too much is left to the imagination. Their is a lot of water churning and glimpses of something large but the monster is always obscured by something. Often not seeing is as scary as seeing. But in this case it feels more like a cheat. With the dark surroundings and already dismal scenery not seeing the monster just adds to the lackluster story. *In comparison, CRAWL showed us exactly how Crocodiles should be used *.
I am not saying skip this film altogether but go in with some low expectations. There are some twist that take place in the story and the last 10-minutes are actually the best of the entire film. I just wanted more teeth and to feel like I couldn’t breath. I wanted to be submerged but it didn’t pan out. I give Black Water: Abyss a C-. The film promised a lot but just didn’t deliver.