Open Water/Open Water 2: Adrift

Open Water

Watching 'Open Water' is like experiencing one of the worst nightmares imaginable. And sadly, it actually happened to one unfortunate couple after just completing a tour with the Peace Corps. We'd like to think that such unlucky accidents, those that occur from either employee negligence or the bad judgment of the victims, are simple fantasies invented for the plot of horror movies. But low-budget features like this one remind audiences that such nightmares do in fact occur. Although the majority of the story is, of course, imagined, the fact that it did happen still remains true. And part, if not all, of the movie's effectiveness at generating fear depends on the viewer knowing that.

In case you missed the trailers, posters with the tagline, or the endless publicity for the theatrical release, we are told once more at the start of the movie the plot is based on true events. It may seem a bit overkill, especially as we watch the two would-be victims (Blanchard Ryan and Daniel Travis) load up the car and head over to their vacation destination. Or should we say, to their inevitable demise, since we clearly know where this story is headed. Funny thing, however, is that the anticipation to that point has less to do with what happens once we're there. When everything conveniently goes wrong and the couple resurfaces, we still think to ourselves, "Damn, that's really messed up."

A perfectly natural reaction, and one which I'm sure the filmmakers are really hoping for from their audience. It is guerilla filmmaking at its finest — despite the limited funds, let the simplicity of the story and the setting generate fear and horror rather than in-your-face gore. Once in the water, we begin to have a physical shared response with the two characters. We can almost imagine how terrifying it would be to be trapped in a similar situation, where the chances of being rescued are so slim you might as well spend your time learning to accept your fate. The couple may not be characters we completely care for, but we can surely sympathize because surviving such a gruesome fate is not something we'd wish another. The movie's success at frightening viewers is in this visceral reaction to a terrifying and harrowing ordeal. And it works decently well. (Movie Rating: 3/5)

Open Water 2: Adrift

If the first movie can be said to have been caused by employee negligence or bad judgment, then the sequel can easily be explained as simple stupidity. You may shake your head at the lack of common sense on display, but it's a fairly good device that gets our blood boiling and raises the anxiety level quickly. Filmmakers also up the ante by having not two but seven castaways in total as a group of high school friends go for a weekend yacht cruise. At the start, the story seems predictable since one of the characters, Amy (Susan May Pratt), clearly suffers from aquaphobia. But then again, this is where a lack of common sense rears its ugly head once more. If she's afraid of water, why travel on a boat to the middle of the ocean? And what friends are these to make her go anyways?

Turns out, this too works because the plot suddenly goes in another direction. Although once in the water, it's rather easy to guess who dies first and who is best likely to survive. And believe me, after a while you're almost actually glad that person's gone, allowing the audience to ironically enjoy the open water's silence. We're also glad to see the person we want to survive actually does, even though her role is an obvious standard sympathy ploy, one which little-known director Hans Horn milks for all its worth. Her death would definitely be the filmmakers taking things too far in this sort of setup, so the conclusion is an interestingly stylish welcome. A few twists and turns are thrown into the narrative for good measure and surprisingly put to good use in making the plot more engaging.

But ultimately, the movie's most effective aspect is in the bickering and tension which builds amongst the stranded swimmers. Everyone is happy and chummy in the beginning, but as soon as fear and realization of their plight sets in, their once-close friendships rapidly disintegrate. Their instinctual desire to survive and understand what went wrong adds an entertaining, complex element to the film. 'Adrift' has reasonably little to do with the original except the name. It's not inspired by any true events that I could find and is actually an adaptation of a short story from Koji Suzuki. But it makes for a satisfying sequel, filled with plenty of tension and some compelling drama. It's good to see the filmmakers not attempt a repeat of the first and instead, do their own thing. And the result is a decently strong thriller. (Movie Rating: 3/5)

The Blu-ray: Vital Disc Stats

Lionsgate Home Entertainment brings the 'Open Water' series to Blu-ray as a double feature on a single Region Free, BD50 disc, inside a blue eco-case. At startup, we have a couple of Lionsgate promos. Viewers can pick their movie of choice by selecting the "Play" icon, which also allows access to bonuses.