A chilling horror thriller set hundreds of feet below the ocean's surface is set to air on Film 4 tonight, promising to leave viewers thinking twice about ever going near water again.
A Desperate Fight for Survival
The Dive, a 2023 remake, tells the harrowing story of sisters Drew and May. Their deep-sea diving trip at one of the planet's most remote locations turns into a nightmare when a catastrophic landslide sends massive boulders tumbling into the sea. One of these rocks strikes May, leaving her trapped 28 metres below the surface with dangerously low oxygen levels.
With May immobilised and running out of time, her sister Drew faces an impossible choice. She must risk her own life in a desperate race against the clock to save her sibling, with no hope of external rescue. The film becomes a claustrophobic and intense exploration of sacrifice and the unbreakable bond between sisters.
Critical Reception: Praise for Tension, Criticism for Plot
The German-Maltese film was written and directed by Maximilian Erlenwein. Upon its release, it garnered praise from some critics for its sustained tension and dramatic underwater cinematography. One reviewer noted the "very well-crafted remake should particularly impress with its underwater photography," while another commended the "breathless pace" and "excellent performances" by leads Louisa Krause and Sophie Lowe.
However, the critical consensus has cooled over the last two years. On the review aggregator site Rotten Tomatoes, the film currently holds a 66% approval rating from critics. Opinions are sharply divided. One critic described the underwater setting as "the color of a true hell," praising its oppressive atmosphere. Others were less impressed, finding flashbacks to the sisters' childhood "intrusive" and labelling the plot occasionally murky and padded.
A Stark Divide with Audiences
The gap between critical opinion and audience reaction is even more pronounced. Fans have given The Dive a notably lower 40% approval rating on Rotten Tomatoes. Some viewers criticised the plot and character decisions, with one calling the acting "terrible" and the conversations between the sisters unconvincing.
Yet, the film has its staunch defenders. Other audience members praised it as a "terrific movie" with great cinematography and a realistic depiction of people in a crisis, battling panic and trying to think rationally. One fan highlighted its "emotionally moving conclusion" and its powerful portrayal of sisterhood and survival, recommending it to fans of the genre.
Ultimately, viewers can make up their own minds. The Dive airs on Film 4 at 9pm on Monday, January 5, offering a tense, aquatic thriller that has proven to be as divisive as it is suspenseful.
