The resourceful duo must now confront not only the predators they were meant to be observing in safety, but the consequences of a rapidly dwindling supply of oxygen as well. As they struggle to survive, and Taylor (Matthew Modine), the skipper of the boat they were lowered from, tries to organize a rescue, themes of forgiveness and self-sacrificing love are briefly showcased.
But such lofty ideals, of course, are not really the point. What Roberts is aiming for, and mostly achieves -- despite occasionally clunky dialogue -- is an atmosphere of claustrophobic, nerve-racking terror.
Those disposed to subject themselves to the experience will likely come away satisfied. The timid, by contrast, should stick to the shore.
The film contains some gory and gruesome images as well as a single rough and a couple of crude terms. The Catholic News Service classification is A-III -- adults. The Motion Picture Association of America rating is PG-13 -- parents strongly cautioned. Some material may be inappropriate for children under 13.
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Mulderig is on the staff of Catholic News Service.
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CAPSULE REVIEW
"47 Meters Down" (Entertainment Studios)
While vacationing in Mexico, two sisters (Mandy Moore and Claire Holt) go shark diving in an iron cage. But the cable holding the enclosure snaps, and they plummet to the seabed at the depth of the title. Director and co-writer Johannes Roberts' claustrophobic, nerve-racking thriller, which is plausible enough to be more frightening than many horror movies, confronts the resourceful siblings not only with the predators they were meant to be observing in safety but with a rapidly dwindling supply of oxygen as well. As they struggle to survive, and the skipper (Matthew Modine) of the boat they were lowered from tries to organize a rescue, themes of forgiveness and self-sacrificing love are briefly showcased. Probably acceptable for older teens. Some gory and gruesome images, a single rough and a couple of crude terms. The Catholic News Service classification is A-III -- adults. The Motion Picture Association of America rating is PG-13 -- parents strongly cautioned. Some material may be inappropriate for children under 13.
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CLASSIFICATION
"47 Meters Down" (Entertainment Studios) -- Catholic News Service classification, A-III -- adults. Motion Picture Association of America rating, PG-13 -- parents strongly cautioned. Some material may be inappropriate for children under 13.
