As the iconic shark film Jaws approaches its 50th anniversary this December, fans are encouraged to dive into another spine-chilling thriller with a similar theme. Enter Open Water, the 2003 release that’s making waves once again. Following the harrowing journey of Susan and Daniel, a couple stranded in shark-infested waters during a scuba diving excursion, this film grips viewers with its claustrophobic tension.
Hope for rescue dwindles as they face the horrifying reality of their situation. Inspired by the real-life incident involving American couple Thomas and Eileen Lonergan, the film echoes their tragic story. In January 1988, the Lonergans joined a group scuba-diving trip off the coast of Australia but were tragically left behind. Their boat returned to shore without them, leaving them lost and stranded at sea, with their bodies never recovered. Reports suggest they are presumed dead, encapsulating a nightmare that Open Water poignantly brings to life.
Directed by Chris Kentis, Open Water features Blanchard Ryan and Daniel Travis in the central roles of Susan and Daniel. Despite not capturing the monumental success of Jaws, the film managed to maintain a respectable 71 percent rating from Rotten Tomatoes critics, though audience reactions told a different story with a disappointing 33 percent score.
Nevertheless, many viewers have offered positive feedback. One enthusiastic fan proclaimed it, “the best shark movie since Jaws.” Another echoed this sentiment, calling it “a constant nail biter” that strips the genre down to its raw essence — no boats, no heroic figures, just two people adrift in the vast ocean surrounded by danger.
Filmmakers cleverly heighten the dread by focusing on realism. One viewer passionately shared, “This film is the true definition of a horror film. The situation these people find themselves in is the absolute last thing I would ever want to experience.” Tension hangs thick throughout, and for many, it surpasses the scares of its legendary predecessor. “This is the most terrifying movie I have seen in my life,” noted another devotee.
Open Water is streaming for free on ITVX and Pluto TV. It is also available for purchase on Prime Video, Apple TV, and Sky Store.