The Abyss - Review

"I know how alone you feel… alone in all that cold blackness… but I'm there in the dark with you" – A review of The Abyss. 

I absolutely love sci fi. From books like War of the Worlds, TV shows like Star Trek and films like Alien, I absolutely love a good sci fi adventure full of tense alien encounters. Released in 1989 and directed by James Cameron, The Abyss is an incredibly underrated sci fi gem.

The story begins when a US submarine sinks under mysterious circumstances, prompting a joint operation between civilian rig workers and military personnel. As they investigate, the group faces escalating tension, technical failures, and the threat of nuclear disaster, and as if that weren't enough, they aren't alone. There is a presence in the abyss – a strange, dangerous, intelligent underwater species. The suspense through confined spaces is palpable and the stakes are forever escalating, there's action with emotional arcs, and you remain invested in both the survival drama and the broader existential questions posed by the discovery of alien life deep underwater.

The lead character, Bud Brigman, played by Ed Harris, delivers a performance which truly anchors (no pun intended) the film with authenticity and emotional depth. Mary Elizabeth Mastrantonio plays Lindsey Brigman, Bud's estranged wife and the rig's engineer, delivering a strong and layered performance. Michael Biehn takes on the role of Navy SEAL, Lieutenant Coffey, who slowly but surely becomes increasingly unstable. Together, the cast delivers what I think is a realistic portrayal of conflict and teamwork under pressure (we've all had a teambuilding day like this at work, right?), making the film unsettling and believable.

The visual style of The Abyss is fantastic. Innovative underwater filming techniques create an immersive and claustrophobic atmosphere, and practical effects plus early CGI brings the alien life forms to life, especially in the water tentacle sequence, which was an absolute landmark in visual effects at the time. The cinematography really helps you appreciate the beauty – and the danger – of the ocean.

The Abyss is such an underrated film, and it stands as a testament to James Cameron's vision and technical achievement. The film is full of thrilling storytelling with emotional complexity, memorable performances, and pioneering visuals. Its exploration of human nature and the unknown make it a compelling watch, and if you're a sci fi fan, I can't recommend it enough.

Written by Tam Page

Posted by Mr. Tomney

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