BLACK WATER: ABYSS

Australia, 2020, 98 minutes, Colour.

Jessica McNamara, Luke Mitchell, Amali Golden, Benjamin Hoetjes, Anthony J.Sharpe.

Directed by Andrew Traucki.

Director Andrew Traucki makes action films but in difficult locations, jungle, reefs, underground pools. This is familiar material, indication of dangers in North Queensland and the underground pool. The missing tourists. Two couples then go on an expedition, employing a local guide. They are eager to explore the underground pool – but, a storm, downpour and flooding, crocodiles, dangers, search for a way out, and more menacing crocodiles.

There is a personal background to the couples, especially concerning pregnancy and paternity.

However, familiar material from similar adventures – but, a watchable pastime.

1. Title? Previous Black Water film? The work of this director, interested in action stories in difficult locations?
2. North Queensland, landscaped jungle, pools? Caves, interiors, pools? The musical score?
3. Indications of dangers, tourists, disappearance? Setting the tone?
4. The two couples, introduction, relationships (and the later betrayal of relationships, the pregnancy, paternity close)? Eagerness to go on the expedition?
5. The guide, his background, activities, friendly?
6. The drive, going into the pool, adventure and exploration, the storm, the flood? The crocodiles and the menace?
7. The dangers, being stranded, swimming, the search for an exit, caves and tunnels? Victor and his being injured? Caring for him? Torches, in the water, swimming out?
8. Further delineation of the strength of each character, failings? The guide and his death? Victor, the wounds, attending? His death? Eric, companion, sacrificing himself?
9. The two women, the threats, helping each other, survival?