Dead Sea – Film Review

Phil Volken‘s Dead Sea attempts to blend the crime and horror genres but unfortunately ends up stranded in a murky narrative with underwhelming execution. Despite a promising premise, the film flounders with predictable plot twists, one-dimensional characters, and a lackluster atmosphere that fails to elicit the intended dread. While it features a competent cast led by Dean Cameron and Isabel Gravitt, their efforts are not enough to save this film from its shortcomings.

The story begins with Kaya (Isabel Gravitt) and her friends, Xander (Koa Tom) and Julian (Garrett Wareing), embarking on a carefree jet ski trip. The tone quickly shifts from fun to fatal when an accident leaves them stranded in the vast expanse of the open sea. Their hopes are momentarily lifted when they are rescued by Curtis Hunt (Dean Cameron), the captain of a fishing trawler. However, this rescue is not the salvation it appears to be. Instead, it marks the beginning of a nightmarish ordeal as the friends discover that the ship harbors a dark and deadly secret.

The film’s premise, while not entirely original, holds potential. The isolation of the open sea combined with the claustrophobic environment of the trawler could have been used to create a suspenseful and chilling atmosphere. However, “Dead Sea” misses the mark in establishing and maintaining tension. The plot unravels in a predictable fashion, with little in the way of surprises or genuine scares. From the moment the friends are taken aboard the ship, it’s evident where the story is headed, and the film does little to deviate from this well-trodden path.

One of the primary issues with Dead Sea is its character development, or rather the lack thereof. Kaya, the protagonist, is depicted as resourceful and determined, but her character lacks depth. We learn little about her beyond the surface-level traits, making it difficult to fully invest in her plight. Isabel Gravitt delivers a solid performance, but she is given little to work with in terms of character complexity. Similarly, Xander and Julian are relegated to the roles of typical sidekicks, existing primarily to support Kaya’s narrative without much individual significance.

Dean Cameron as Curtis Hunt, the trawler’s captain, is perhaps the most intriguing character in the film. Cameron brings a menacing presence to the role, but his character is ultimately reduced to a caricature of a villain. His motivations are hinted at but never fully explored, leaving a gap in the narrative that could have added much-needed depth to the story. Alexander Wraith’s Rey, another crew member, follows a similar trajectory, offering a few moments of tension but ultimately succumbing to the film’s lack of substantial character arcs.

The film’s pacing is another significant flaw. After the initial setup, the middle portion of the film drags, with repetitive scenes and minimal plot progression. The attempts at building suspense often fall flat due to the predictable nature of the storyline. Instead of escalating the tension, the film relies on clichéd horror tropes and uninspired dialogue, making the narrative feel stagnant.

The visual and auditory elements of Dead Sea also leave much to be desired. The cinematography, while competent, lacks creativity and fails to utilize the setting to its full potential. The vastness of the open sea and the claustrophobia of the trawler could have been visually striking, but the film opts for a more conventional approach that does little to enhance the atmosphere. The sound design, similarly, is unremarkable. The score is generic and does not contribute significantly to the tension or mood of the film.

Dead Sea does have a few redeeming qualities. The core concept of a seemingly benign rescue turning into a harrowing ordeal is intriguing, and there are moments when the film hints at the potential it could have achieved. The performances, particularly by Gravitt and Cameron, are commendable despite the limitations of the script. There are fleeting instances of genuine suspense and horror, but they are too infrequent to salvage the overall experience.

In terms of thematic exploration, the film attempts to delve into themes of survival and the human capacity for cruelty. However, these themes are not fully developed or integrated into the narrative in a meaningful way. The film’s message is muddled, and any intended commentary on human nature or moral ambiguity is lost amid the predictable plot and underwhelming execution.

It’s all a missed opportunity. The elements for a gripping crime horror film are present but are not effectively utilized. The film’s predictable storyline, shallow character development, and lackluster atmosphere result in a forgettable viewing experience. While it may hold some appeal for fans of the genre seeking a simple, straightforward horror film, it fails to leave a lasting impression or offer anything new or innovative.