12 Feet Deep (2017)

“12 Feet Deep”, released in 2017, is a psychological thriller film directed by Matt Eskandari. The film tells the story of two sisters trapped under the lid of a public swimming pool, when no one is around to help. This is a story of survival, fear and psychological conflict between two sisters in a desperate situation.

Main content

The film follows the two main characters, Bree (played by Nora-Jane Noone) and her younger sister, Jonna (played by Alexandra Park). On a normal day, the two sisters decide to go to the public swimming pool to relax. After swimming, the pool closes and unfortunately, the two sisters are trapped under the automatic pool lid, trapped in 12 feet of water (about 3.6 meters).

The situation becomes worse when the lid cannot be opened from the inside and the water temperature gradually becomes colder. The two sisters’ efforts to escape this dangerous situation are the highlight of the film, as each must face personal fears as well as conflicts from the past.

Conflict and psychological tension
Not only stopping at finding a way to escape, “12 Feet Deep” also deeply depicts the complex relationship between the two sisters. While trapped, secrets from the past and pent-up conflicts between Bree and Jonna are gradually exposed. Bree is the older sister who seems to be more successful and stable, while Jonna has many difficulties in life and is somewhat jealous of her younger sister.

The psychological tension between the two characters is pushed to the climax as they struggle with the lack of air, the gradually decreasing temperature and the feeling of panic when there is no help. The pent-up emotions and painful pasts of both begin to rise, creating a suffocating and suspenseful atmosphere.

Characters and Acting
The two main actors, Nora-Jane Noone and Alexandra Park, did a great job in their roles, giving the audience a real sense of the fear and despair of the two characters. The tense, inner-torn moments of the characters are portrayed excellently, helping viewers easily sympathize and feel the frustration in this suffocating situation.

Message and Meaning
The film is not only a story about survival in a dangerous situation, but also a reminder of psychological wounds and how we deal with the past. “12 Feet Deep” conveys a message about family affection, forgiveness and solidarity in the most difficult times.”12 Feet Deep” is a psychological thriller worth watching, with a simple yet tense and profound plot. The limited setting in the closed space of a swimming pool is also the film’s strong point, creating a constant sense of suspense and drama. The film will surely keep the audience captivated and breathless watching every moment of the two sisters’ fight for survival.