The crystal blue water creates an ambience of nature’s beauty in the opening of The Dive. The setting represents an escape from reality for the two main characters who are going diving in the film. The approach of the film is what I would call 127 Hours (2010) meets Open Water (2004). Both films are peril flicks and guilty pleasures of mine. The Dive, however, is not so much of a favorite. The depth of the ocean signals that problematic moments are bound to worsen. The film’s presentation lacks perspective and the concept of saving those at risk is poorly written in The Dive.

The film focuses on two sisters, May and Drew (played by Louisa Krause and Sophie Lowe). The sisters who have an interesting relationship go on a diving exhibition on a remote island located somewhere near Germany. As they go deep into the sea, the dangers abruptly ensue. Rocks start collapsing and suddenly May ends up stuck due to a rock collapsing onto her. She is trapped 28 meters below the surface and her oxygen level is scarce. Drew must find all the right resources with little time to save her sister and must even get back to the land to get backup oxygen tanks. The problem is that Drew lacks the knowledge to deal with diving emergencies. Her sister May is more experienced in these matters, but being trapped is much more dangerous than anticipated.

Once Drew gets out of the water, the clock starts ticking. Unfortunately, the film is lacking when it comes to delivering upon the theme of being in survival mode. For example, in moments where Drew should be putting her mind into savingher sister, she gets distracted and only wastes time. The movie is presented in the form of a low-grade independent production. Under the water, the film just seemed like a universal blur. The survival resources are scattered. Drew is told consistently to get new oxygen tanks by May, but Drew continuously ignores that instruction. While the back-up oxygen tanks are what could save them, it depends upon Drew risking her life trying to save May. An important quote for survival in The Dive is, “Five seconds in. Five seconds out.” This refers to the count required to preserve the oxygen levels so the supply can last longer.

Drew leaving the water for help decreases the chance of survivaland is where the film somewhat lost my interest. Given that her sister’s life is in grave peril, it was hard to watch Drew keep getting distracted when she is above the water. The Divecontinues to turn in the wrong direction when it comes to time being of the essence and eventually becomes a waste of energy.

All in all, this film’s cinematography and scenery is vivid. The directing and writing are where the film is catastrophe. It takes too long for the life and death moments to find meaning. The story also gets personal and emotional but involves too muchself-centered thinking between the two sisters. The Dive is not a terrible film. However, its potentially invigorating qualities are ignored by the director, making it a challenge to get into. Therefore, I give The Dive two out of four stars.