Review: A Closer Look at ‘The Dive’

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I recently had the pleasure of immersing myself in the world of “The Dive,” a scuba diving survival thriller that took me on an unforgettable cinematic journey. Directed by Maximilian Erlenwein and featuring Sophie Lowe and Louisa Krause in the lead roles, this film promised to deliver an adrenaline-fueled underwater experience that had me on the edge of my seat. And while it did manage to submerge me into a world of tension and survival, there were aspects that left me yearning for a deeper exploration of its potential.

The premise of “The Dive” is as straightforward as it is compelling. Two sisters, Drew and May, embark on their annual diving excursion off the coast of Malta. However, beneath the scenic beauty of the Mediterranean Sea lies an impending disaster waiting to unfold. A cliff erosion triggers a landslide, trapping May under a boulder, and thus begins a race against time as Drew attempts to rescue her sister from the depths of the ocean.

As I watched, I was struck by the film’s ability to subvert traditional horror tactics. Instead of relying on frenetic and adrenaline-pumping sequences, “The Dive” forces its characters, and by extension, the audience, to slow down and focus on their breath. This unique approach created a palpable tension that was elegantly crafted by director Maximilian Erlenwein and cinematographer Frank Griebe. Griebe’s cinematography, known for his work in films like “Cloud Atlas” and “Run Lola Run,” played a pivotal role in establishing the film’s atmosphere. Through cleverly choreographed shots, he masterfully captured the vast darkness and the occasional flicker of hope provided by shards of torchlight, effectively immersing me in this underwater endurance puzzle.

The film successfully kept me engaged as I rooted for Drew’s desperate attempts to save her sister, all the while wrestling with limited oxygen supplies. It was a testament to the filmmakers that they managed to create suspense not through chaotic action but by instilling a sense of calm and focus, even in the face of imminent danger. This deviation from the norm added a layer of realism to the story, making it more relatable and immersive.

However, as the plot unfolded, “The Dive” did begin to lose some of its narrative momentum. The lean storyline was occasionally padded with jarring flashbacks that delved into vague trauma, and the dialogue at times felt clichéd, robbing the film of the eerie silence that had previously been its strength. While these moments of emotional depth were well-intentioned, they ended up feeling somewhat shallow in comparison to the submerged suspense that dominated the majority of the film.

The characters themselves were reasonably well-developed, with Sophie Lowe delivering an effective performance as Drew, the younger sister. Her excitement and determination to save May were palpable, and as an audience member, I genuinely found myself invested in her struggle. Louisa Krause, who portrayed May, added depth to her character as well, although there were times when her inner turmoil could have been explored more profoundly. Their sisterly dynamic was believable, and the tension between them, both before and during their underwater ordeal, added an intriguing layer to the narrative.

One of the notable aspects of “The Dive” was its setting. Filmed in Malta, the movie’s landscape, both above and below the water’s surface, contributed significantly to the film’s atmosphere. The desolation and lack of human civilization created a sense of isolation and hopelessness that intensified the characters’ predicament. Even when Drew stumbled upon a seemingly abandoned house, it served as a stark reminder that there would be no helpful hands nearby to rescue them. This post-apocalyptic feel added a unique dimension to the survival thriller genre.

The film’s pacing was generally well-maintained, with tense moments interspersed effectively throughout the narrative. There were scenes, particularly those on the surface, where Drew must make split-second decisions that kept me on the edge of my seat. The choices she faced, such as whether to flag down a nearby boat or rush to deliver a spare scuba tank to her sister, injected a dose of cinematic adrenaline into the storyline.

However, it was in the handling of the backstory that “The Dive” faltered. The flashbacks, while attempting to provide depth to the characters and their relationship, often disrupted the flow of the narrative. Instead of enhancing the emotional connection with the characters, these moments occasionally came across as a narrative crutch, distracting from the film’s core tension.

In terms of originality, “The Dive” tread familiar waters. It followed the well-worn path of survivalist stories, where individuals were pushed to their limits in life-threatening situations. While it did so adequately, it lacked the audacity and ingenuity that could have set it apart from similar films. It adhered to a formulaic structure, and despite the unique underwater setting, it struggled to distinguish itself in a crowded genre.

To be fair, “The Dive” was not without its merits. It effectively utilized its underwater setting to add new dimensions to a standard survivalist story. The decision to focus on the characters’ need to remain calm and conserve oxygen instead of relying solely on action sequences was commendable. Yet, despite these positive elements, the film ultimately fell short of making a lasting impact.

“The Dive” was a film that managed to create moments of suspense and tension, primarily through its unique approach to underwater survival. It benefited from strong performances, particularly from Sophie Lowe as the determined Drew, and the stark, desolate setting added to its overall atmosphere. However, the film’s reliance on clichéd dialogue and disjointed flashbacks diluted its narrative impact. While it offered an engaging viewing experience, it lacked the innovation and depth needed to make it truly stand out in the realm of survival thrillers. “The Dive” may not sink like a stone, but it may struggle to stay afloat in the sea of cinematic competition.

I would, however, suggest you see it for yourself, especially if you are a scuba diver yourself. You might find the realism behind this movie quite enticing.