Sea Fever - Angriff aus der Tiefe

Greetings from Lithuania.

I thought from a premise and small budget that "Sea Fever" (2019) is going to be a very small little B horror flick set in one location and with some monster running around which you can't actually see because of how small the budget is. After seeing a movie I was glad that I was wrong. This movie was actually way much better then I thought it will be. It had something more to say then just of being a horror flick. Acting by a young lead was very good - i really liked her character. Also two veterans were very solid. We need heroes like main character of this movie in a real life, when unfortunately now in a real situation with infection in our world you see every day people that act oppositely and take no responsibility in their actions.

Overall, "Sea Fever" is a really good little movie which isn't much of a horror flick but uses that situation to say something more.

This simple horror film takes the age-old fear of the sea serpent, modernizes it, and takes it to new heights. It starts with an unlikely heroine, nerdy graduate student Siobhan, who loves studying oceanography in virtual forms, and has to be pushed to get on a boat and examine it in real life. She finds herself on a small fishing boat, ill at ease with the boisterous crew, who start by exclaiming over the bad luck she, as a redhead, will bring to the voyage. Other seafaring myths and legends are of interest, including one, told to Siobhan by the boat's co-owner, Freya, which becomes relevant to the story. Some of the footage of undersea life not only further the story, but are remarkably beautiful. Siobhan does her best to fit in, and does make a connection with one or two of the crew members. Things take a sinister turn when the ship is impeded by a creature completely unfamiliar to either Siobhan or the crew. The more they investigate, the more dangerous the animal becomes. Suspense builds as the sea creature's intentions and abilities are gradually revealed, Siobhan tries to understand the creature's nature and possible weaknesses, and the crew works frantically to escape or summon help. The director has the sense to keep the monster mysterious as long as possible, adding to the tension. It's a well made, well acted, slow-burning horror story.

I usually don't pay any attention to the favorable quotes and exaggerated comparisons to classic films that are often conspicuously printed on DVD-covers, but in case of "Sea Fever" I read one that is fairly accurate. The box proudly exclaims that it's "Cabin Fever" meets "The Thing", and you know what? That description honestly isn't too far off. Obviously the two well-known films are still a lot better, especially "The Thing", but in terms of plot, type of horror monster, and atmosphere "Sea Fever" definitely plays in the same league.

When a deeply superstitious and financially struggling Irish fishermen crew heads into a forbidden zone for fishing, a strange creature suddenly attaches itself to their boat and leaves behind a strange substance. Before the timid and introvert biology student Siobhán can run a proper analysis, crew members are falling ill, and tension aboard starts rising. "Sea Fever" is not a very fast-paced or highly spectacular horror/thriller, but benefices greatly from its thoroughly grim and uncanny atmosphere. The cheap and ramshackle looking fishing boat, in combination with the sober casting and genuine Irish accents, also gives the film a very authentic and persuasive look and feel. The gorgeous Hermione Corfield is excellent as the student outcast amidst a group of diehard fishermen (and fisherwomen!), and writer/director Nessa Hardiman makes very good use of the claustrophobic locations and suffocating ambiance. Of course, I also hoped for the film to contain a bit more action and blood/gore, and the ending is a too bleak and more dramatic than necessary. Nonetheless, a worthwhile film to check out.

The creators obviously set out to make a movie similar to Alien or The Thing, but centered around a thoughtful scientist instead of an action hero. The result is a slow burn that stands far above similar sci-fi movies but the pacing may not be for everyone. Ultimately I enjoyed the movie but have mixed feeling about the ending. A spoiler free way to put it would be this: not how I would have done it, but true to the character and I'll give points for consistency.

If you're going into 'Sea Fever' expecting to see monsters or gore, you will be disappointed. If you're hoping to find a clever horror thriller with substance, this is a good choice.

'Sea Fever' is actually such a well made movie and incredibly relevant with today's Covid-19 pandemic. A young scientist, Siobhan (well portrayed by Hermione Corfield) goes with a fishing trawler to analyze their catch for research. On their way, they are informed the area they are going to is an exclusion zone. However, their boat runs into an unknown object, where it becomes stuck - in the exclusion zone.

What follows is a claustrophobic nightmare episode for the fishermen, and Siobhan, as they discover parasites in their water supply, infecting those who come in contact with the water.

The film features all-round good performances and effective suspense and scares thanks to a clever script and good set-up. The visual effects are subtle, yet highly effective. This is so much more than a horror film. This is a disaster drama set in the confines of a boat. 'Sea Fever' is not what I expected, but surprised me with a thoroughly entertaining movie on a different level. I enjoyed it!

Would I watch it again? Yes.