Review of 2003's Shark Movie, Open Water

Jaws it is Not!

Susan and Daniel are a married couple. Susan's job takes them near the ocean and, after the job is over, they decide to have a fun vacation scuba diving with a "professional" scuba tour group. Their vacation soon turns bad when they are left in the middle of the ocean by the terribly careless diving boat crew. As the reality of isolation sets in, they turn to one another for support. Unable to support each other, they begin to panic and are prompted to question their own fates as encircling sharks start to get hungry.

It can't get simpler as you can tell from the synopsis. 90% of the movie is just of the couple stranded in the middle of the ocean. So it relies on the actions and interactions of the couple. This is a purely character-driven storyline. We see their paranoia and their fear which leads to a bit of arguing and finally resigned acceptance of their situation.

There is not much to say except for the two main characters, Susan and Daniel. They play your everyday average couple and we probably see reflections of how most of us would react and the stages of emotion and struggles we would experience in this situation. Blanchard Ryan, as Susan, & Daniel Travis, as Daniel, deliver very good and believable performances. The rest of the cast are not seen much, as they are just there to set the stage for Susan and Daniel.

The cameras are not top-of-the-line, as evidenced by some of the faded and darker scenes. Most of it is shot during the day. SFX? There aren't really many SFX to even speak of. If you prefer fast-paced and in your face horror, like Jaws, then this movie is NOT for you! The sound is acceptable but music did not do anything for me and conveyed little meaning.

Ok, this will be rough. If you love this movie and think it's the greatest thing since sliced bread, please do NOT read on!