Contagio en alta mar

It's basically a dull Alien ripoff but without a great monster, lifeless forgettable characters, etc. If you've seen the original Alien or any of the knockoffs, you've seen this a million times. The ending is interesting but getting there is tough. The stakes never feel real. The danger doesn't feel immediate. It isn't exciting. You can easily read what will happen far in advance so you're just sitting there, watching it go through all too familiar beats. It's like Harbinger Down but both are pretty weak imitations of better films. Sorry I was really hoping this would be good.

This is a suspense film for adults. No big battles with a mysterious sea creature, just a plausible story with realistic characters. The pace is slow and moody, so this may not be for everyone, but I thought it was well written, with good performances and a creepy atmosphere. The visual effects are subtle but effective. The performances are raw and real. The film even takes the time to explain some ancient ocean lore and blends it into the story.

If you are seeking thrills and jump scares, this is not for you. If you enjoy a good story, told with style and thought, you will appreciate this film.

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 like horror/thrillers, which I do and have seen too many to count, you should give this movie a shot. Above average for the genre and fairly original/creative compared the usual predictable movies churned out. Without any spoilers I would describe it as a 2nd rate "The Thing" except set on a boat/ocean. I only say 2nd rate because The Thing is one of the best horror/thrillers ever made and remains an absolute classic must watch. While this movie is entertaining and fast moving, it's not mind blowing or best of breed so go in with proper expectations and don't get too excited - enjoy!!

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.