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The Abyss
1989 140 min United States of America PG-13 16+
★7.9
Adventure, Thriller, Science Fiction
Director: James Cameron
Trailers
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Teaser
Teaser
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Description
A civilian oil rig crew is recruited to conduct a search and rescue effort when a nuclear submarine mysteriously sinks. One diver soon finds himself on a spectacular odyssey 25,000 feet below the ocean's surface where he confronts a mysterious force that has the power to change the world or destroy it.
Budget:
$43M
US Gross:
$54.98M
Worldwide:
$90M
Starring
Ed Harris
Actor
Mary Elizabeth Mastrantonio
Actor
Michael Biehn
Actor
Awards
Saturn Awards 1991
— Best Director
Academy Awards 1990
— Best Visual Effects
Saturn Awards 1991
— Best Actor
Academy Awards 1990
— Best Sound
Saturn Awards 1991
— Best Visual Effects
Academy Awards 1990
— Best Cinematography
Academy Awards 1990
— Best Production Design
Saturn Awards 1991
— Best Original Score
Saturn Awards 1991
— Best Director
Academy Awards 1990
— Best Visual Effects
Saturn Awards 1991
— Best Science Fiction Film
Key opinion
The Abyss is widely regarded as a technically groundbreaking masterpiece that redefined underwater filmmaking and visual effects. While critics and audiences laud its atmospheric tension and strong lead performances, some find the script uneven and the pacing of the extended runtime to be a challenge.
| Cinematography | Pioneering visual effects and underwater cinematography remain technically impressive and immersive even decades after the film's release. | |
| Acting | The performances of Ed Harris and Mary Elizabeth Mastrantonio effectively anchor the film’s emotional core and the central relationship. | |
| Runtime | The film’s ambitious, lengthy runtime rewards viewers seeking a deep-sea atmospheric experience, though others find it tedious or inconsistently paced. | |
| Screenplay | While the world-building is highly praised, the screenplay is frequently described as containing banal dialogue and implausible plot developments. | |
| Theme | The inclusion of a politically charged, Cold-War-era subtext regarding human cruelty and the Russians feels dated and unnecessarily cynical to many viewers. |