Sea Fever

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.

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.

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.

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.

You like parasites like thaw or the strain this is a pretty good movie for you, you like good acting this has it in some parts, does the murky depths and unknown sea freak you out, check it out. Then again if you like a well written thought out characters, I feel this is where it fails, they never really come to fruition. Seems as if they wanted to make you feel for all of crew but sort of made you feel meh for all, the ending scene made me go like well that's kinda stupid, decisions were lackluster and the ideas came out of thin air. Had me looking at the screen going but why though. But it was still well shot, so if you can give up on some script and just enjoy the dark oceans. Have Fun