PopHorror Let's Get Scared
Okay, let me start by saying two things. First, I love monster movies. And second, I like Kristen Stewart. She gets a bad rap for what? Being in a kids’ movie? Big deal. Director William Eubank’s Underwater gives us both of these things, and I am here for it.
Underwater begins with almost no hesitation. The crew is already over six miles below the surface of the ocean. We know from the opening sequence that they’ve been drilling, and their laboratory is massive. When catastrophic earthquake strikes with no warning, we see the remaining crew jump into action to save themselves and any survivors they may find. Norah (Kristen Stewart) is the voice of reason. She’s the badass engineer that can take electrical panels apart and open doors that don’t want to be opened. She saves her team members from precarious and dangerous situations. She does all of this IN HER BARE FEET! I don’t even like to walk into my garage in my bare feet.
Underwater is a monster movie. The ship and crew are being destroyed, as the earthquake has awakened something fierce down there that does not want them drilling. There is danger out there, and they can hear it. As they descend even further down, closer to the ocean’s floor, they run the risk of encountering this creature face to face. But, they have to find a way back to the surface. Staying down there is not an option any longer as they are running out of resources and time. If they choose to wait, everything will be destroyed, leaving them stranded.
This movie is not perfect by any means. But, it is a solid monster movie with bouts of claustrophobia and edge-of-your-seat moments that make it stand out. I was shocked to learn at the end that it was rated PG-13.
One thing I love about this film is the amazing original score by Marco Beltrami and Brandon Roberts. It’s haunting and foreboding. I’m actually listening to it right now as it’s available to stream/download on Amazon. I’ve read countless complaints that the movie stars TJ Miller, but in my opinion, he offers just enough comedic relief to lighten the mood just before the next crushing blow. It’s very welcoming in an otherwise bleak and scary situation.
I highly recommend seeing Underwater the theater. It’s rare that I sit on the edge of my seat for the majority of a movie. It’s intense, and it keeps you on your toes. The film starts balls to the wall and barely falters in action and suspense. Kudos to Kristen Stewart who has continued to grow in her roles. She’s no longer the awkward teenager from Twilight. She’s a grown woman playing an adult, and maybe we should cut her a little bit of slack. Remember, Twilight is for teenagers, and I am not a teenager. Neither are most of you, so do yourself a favor. Check your Kristen Stewart prejudice at the door and go see Underwater. You won’t be disappointed.
