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Leviathan
1989 98 min Italy, United States of America R 18+
★5.4
Adventure, Horror, Thriller, Science Fiction
Director: George P. Cosmatos
Trailers
EN
Teaser
Description
Underwater deep-sea miners encounter a Soviet wreck and bring back a dangerous cargo to their base on the ocean floor with horrifying results. The crew of the mining base must fight to survive against a genetic mutation that hunts them down one by one.
Budget:
$25M
US Gross:
$15.7M
Worldwide:
$15.7M
Starring
Peter Weller
Actor
Richard Crenna
Actor
Amanda Pays
Actor
Awards
1 win & 1 nomination total
Key opinion
Leviathan is generally regarded as a derivative, formulaic entry in the late-80s underwater horror subgenre that leans heavily on established tropes from Alien and The Thing. While the practical effects and ensemble cast garner some appreciation, the film is widely criticized for its lack of original atmosphere and narrative depth.
| Originality | The film functions as a secondary product that relies heavily on recycling narrative beats and stylistic motifs from classic horror films like Alien and The Thing. | |
| Production | The practical effects, creature design, and set production provide a tactile, authentic 80s aesthetic that stands out as a high point of the production. | |
| Score | Jerry Goldsmith's atmospheric score and the film's overall sound design are effective and highly regarded technical elements. | |
| Acting | The ensemble cast, featuring established actors like Peter Weller and Hector Elizondo, is occasionally praised for its capability, though some viewers find the performances flat or disconnected from the script. | |
| Pacing | The film's pacing polarizes viewers, with some finding the slow buildup compelling and others viewing the first act as an unengaging slog. | |
| Direction | Director George Pan Cosmatos fails to establish a consistent sense of dread or unique vision, resulting in a film that lacks the tension necessary for the genre. |