12 Feet Deep - A Movie Review

We need to work together if we’re going to get out of this swimming pool alive!

12 Feet Deep was released in 2017. Trapped under the fiberglass of a public swimming pool, two sisters must fend for their survival. Trying every idea possible, the women are in for a harrowing night of torture.

Just when you think swimming pools couldn’t possibly have a horror scenario based around it, 12 Feet Deep opens the door. The first time I watched this film, I had my doubts. Aside from one character, 12 Feet Deep is an in-depth thriller that concentrates on surviving the impossible.

Alexandra Park and Nora-Jean Noone did not look like they had easy roles. As fun as swimming is, I do not want to get trapped in their situation. I wonder how long they had to film in this pool during the day. Packed with history, this time gives the sisters to reconnect. The conversations feel natural ranging from arguments, remorse, and showcasing their love.

12 Feet Deep is a character-driven story. Park and Noone did an excellent job in their dynamic, feeling like real sisters. You bet that they deliver a lot of sarcasm. That’s always the main ingredient in a sibling relationship. Their interactions are notable, peeling away layers that have burdened them.

This film did not need a villain. That’s one aspect that ruined 12 Feet Deep. Featuring one of the most annoying characters who I just wanted to punch, Diane Farr did not need to be in this film. I understand that writers were trying to figure out different scenarios, but this film worked without a villain.

Clara has no connection whatsoever to the girls. Why does she relentlessly torture them? In my opinion, It would have been a better idea if there was past history between these women to give Clara a better approach to her behavior. She is too over the top and feels more like a villain you‘d see in the cartoons.

The filmmakers did an excellent job with the underwater sequences. They made viewers feel the isolation and the terror of the situation. Due to the little space they had, I felt claustrophobic. Even though I am not the one in the water, my skin felt like it was pruning,

I was impressed by the way Matt Eskandari handled the story. It was fascinating how he filmed sequences in the pool, capturing shots that make it look menacing. He made it a film about courage. Never let baggage from the past stop you from living life or your relationship with relatives.

Aside from the focus on the sisters which is written well, Eskandari could have written out the villain. There was no development with her and it ruined an aspect of the film. Still, it reinforces a message that anybody can change.

In a way, this film reminded me of the 2010 thriller, Frozen, only featuring intelligent characters. Eskandari did a remarkable job with the story, including depths and a strong arc. Unlike how the characters foolishly trap themselves in Frozen, the women get stuck for a real reason. There’s more of a sense of urgency.

If you are ever trapped in a situation like this, the girls teach you to never give up. Hitting roadblocks, the girls stick together trying every idea in their pathway. Working together is the only viable decision. Something that I never thought about before was how conversation makes everything better.

If you have a fear of water, it’s a good idea to steer clear from 12 Feet Deep. Still, I recommend that you see it.