Underwater

After a brutal earthquake rattles an underwater research station, six scientists find themselves sealed off from the surface and fighting to survive. With the habitat sustaining only limited life support, they must set out on a perilous trek two miles through the abyss to reach whatever shelter still exists. The path threads through damaged hulls, collapsed tunnels, and the eerie silence of an alien kind of deep water that seems to close in around them. Oxygen ticks away, equipment fails at the worst moments, and every decision carries heavy consequences. As they push forward, teamwork and trust become as vital as their tools. The clock keeps counting down toward an uncertain chance of rescue. Skin nerves and courage are tested.

Directed by William Eubank, the film is brought to life from an original screenplay by Adam Cozad and Brian Duffield. Released in 2020, Underwater leans on claustrophobic thrills and a tight crew dynamic to drive the tension throughout the film.

The worldwide box office tallied roughly 40.9 million, modest against its 50 million production budget. The result marks Underwater as a mid range performer in its genre, closer to cult favorite territory than a blockbuster hit for its pacing overall.

It did not ignite a lasting pop culture moment, but the film earned some notice for its relentless underwater visuals and Kristen Stewart's endurance show. Critics cited the setting as a character in its own right, contributing to a wave of underwater horror that followed. It remains a cult favorite.

Critics generally praised the film for its taut pacing, strong performances and effective use of pressure and darkness. Some reviews noted a lean, propulsive setup while others found the plot episodic. Core themes include survival under extreme isolation, teamwork under stress, and human resolve when options shrink in the darkness.