Dead Sea

It begins like half a dozen movies. Then it ends like half a million other movies. I will call it "Spitting on your Open Water Grave".

There are dumb kids doing irresponsible things that get them into trouble. Yeah, there is an early twist. Doesn't make the movie's new direction any better though. It just goes from one irritating sub-genre to another. Then it's mostly creepy and drawn-out.

The one okay thing about the whole affair is that Dean Cameron, who so eloquently played Chainsaw in the 80's classic Summer School, has found work - albeit in a role that they clearly offered to Kim Bodnia but had to settle on a lookalike for instead.

You are not missing much if you fast-forward through this or skip it altogether. The one boat's name was Haleh.

This compact thriller was written and directed by Phil Volken and I confess that watching his work was a positive surprise. Logically, one cannot expect deep philosophical musings or deep personal dramas from this film. It is assembled around a daring and risky youth adventure, but at the same time, it is irresistibly attractive to the adventurous spirit of these two couples. A trip across the open sea on powerful jet skis to a deserted island near the coast with a beautiful beach to spend a day of leisure, sun and budding romance.

But on the return trip an unfortunate accident occurs. The machines collide with each other and one of the young people dies instantly. The other Xander (Koa Tom) is seriously injured and requires medical attention. The two young women Kaya (Isabel Gravitt) and Tessa (Genneya Walton) struggle to stay afloat and assist their friend in a sea infested with sharks. Then, a miracle happens, a fishing boat appears with only one crew member on board, Rey (Alexander Wraith) and proceeds to rescue the castaways.

I won't spoil what happens on board this rickety and sinister ship. But here's what I liked about this film. Clear narrative, realistic natural images of the sea and its dangers and a desperate fight for survival that is more credible than in other stories of this genre. The cast was very well chosen and the two young girls showed promise, particularly due to the role she had in the outcome, the work of Isabel Gravitt was highlighted.

Jays and Tessa (played by Isabel Gravitt and Genneya Walton) decide to go on an ocean trip from Florida to the Bahamas (and so, crossing into international waters and then an entirely different country) on a couple of jet skis with a couple of guys they barely know. That's not very smart - so, while of course you don't want to fall into a "blame the victim"" mentality, it's OK to think of the writers: "This is the best you could come up with?" Things don't go well, of course. The boys end up dead and the girls fall into the clutches of some very evil people after a horrific collision between the two jet skis.

There's lots of pointless filler in this - surprising since its run time is only 1:27, but true. But the basic problem here is that it's a "Suspense" movie that lacks much in the way of suspense. It's a time waster that feels like a waste of time. Gravitt and Walton are OK, but no better than that. The movie is dry; It fails to engage on any level.

It feels like a story that's been told a thousand times before, with each time just needing a bit of retweaking. It isn't awful. It just isn't necessary. (4/10)

The vast, cerulean expanse of the open ocean, initially promising sun-drenched adventure for Kaya (Isabel Gravitt) and her friends, soon morphs into a terrifying stage for survival in "Dead Sea." The film masterfully utilizes its maritime setting to cultivate a pervasive atmosphere of dread and isolation. Sweeping aerial shots of their small jet skis against the seemingly endless horizon emphasize their vulnerability, a feeling amplified by the unsettling silence punctuated only by the roar of the engines and the distant cries of seabirds. This initial tranquility is shattered by the fatal accident, the sudden shift in tone underscored by jarring sound design and a frantic, handheld camera style that throws the viewer into the chaos.

The claustrophobic confines of the rescuing fishing trawler then become the primary setting for the film's suspense. The creaking hull, the dim, flickering lights, and the ever-present rocking of the boat create a sense of unease long before the sinister intentions of Captain Rey and Doctor Hunt are revealed. The plot unfolds with a deliberate build-up of tension. The initial relief of rescue slowly curdles into suspicion as Xander's condition worsens and the behavior of the crew becomes increasingly unsettling. The reveal of the organ trafficking operation is a gut punch, shifting the film from a survival narrative into a desperate escape thriller. Kaya's frantic flight through the narrow corridors of the boat and the ensuing cat-and-mouse chase with Rey are expertly paced, maximizing suspense in the confined space.

Isabel Gravitt's portrayal of Kaya is a standout, anchoring the film's emotional core. In the initial moments of panic after the accident, her wide, tear-filled eyes and trembling voice vividly convey her fear and desperation. As the situation escalates, Gravitt subtly shifts Kaya's demeanor, her initial vulnerability hardening into a steely resolve. A particularly impactful scene shows Kaya's silent determination as she tends to Tessa's injuries, her focused gaze and tight jaw communicating a fierce protectiveness. Even in moments of extreme duress, such as her desperate escape from Hunt, Gravitt imbues Kaya with a raw physicality and unwavering will to survive.

The slow-burning dread is palpable throughout the first half of the film. The idyllic jet ski trip is subtly undercut by a sense of foreboding, perhaps in the vast emptiness of the ocean itself. The unsettlingly calm demeanor of Captain Rey initially masks his true nature, creating a sense of unease that gradually intensifies. This slow build allows the audience to invest in the characters' initial plight before the true horror of their situation is unveiled. The moments of brutality, such as the implied harvesting of Xander's organs and Kaya's violent confrontation with Hunt, are stark and impactful, serving to underscore the ruthlessness of the antagonists and the high stakes of Kaya's survival.

"Dead Sea" grapples with themes of the fragility of life, the darkness that can lurk beneath a veneer of normalcy, and the indomitable nature of the human spirit in the face of unimaginable adversity. Kaya's journey is a testament to resilience, her will to survive fueled by the desire to protect herself and her friend. In the context of maritime horror, the film shares similarities with the isolated and perilous scenarios of "Open Water," but introduces the added dimension of human predation, reminiscent of the tense cat-and-mouse dynamics of "Dead Calm," albeit within a more confined setting.

Ultimately, "Dead Sea" offers a gripping and unsettling cinematic experience. It leverages its atmospheric maritime setting, a suspenseful plot filled with shocking twists, and a compelling lead performance to deliver a recommendable thriller that lingers long after the credits roll.

Directed by Phil Volken, Dead Sea is a 2024 American crime-horror film that immerses viewers in a suspenseful tale set on the open ocean. The story follows Kaya (Isabel Gravitt) and her friends Tessa (Genneya Walton) and Xander, whose jet ski adventure turns tragic after a fatal accident. Stranded at sea, they are rescued by a seemingly benevolent fishing vessel captain, only to discover that their savior harbors a chilling secret.

Positive Aspects: I. Atmospheric Setting: The film effectively utilizes its maritime setting to build tension and a sense of isolation, contributing to the overall suspense.

II. Lead Performance: Isabel Gravitt delivers a compelling performance as Kaya, capturing the character's vulnerability and resilience in the face of mounting terror.

Negative Aspects: I. Predictable Plot: Critics have noted that the narrative follows familiar tropes of the genre, with plot twists that can be seen coming.

II. Character Development: Some reviews point out that supporting characters lack depth, making it challenging for audiences to form strong connections with them.

Final Verdict:

Dead Sea offers a suspenseful maritime horror experience with a strong lead performance and a tense atmosphere. However, its reliance on genre conventions and underdeveloped supporting characters may leave some viewers desiring a more original and emotionally engaging story. Fans of ocean-bound thrillers might find it a worthwhile watch, but those seeking innovative storytelling may find it lacking.