Underwater marks a compelling revival of the claustrophobic horror genre reminiscent of notable films from the 1970s and 1980s, while skillfully blending it with contemporary storytelling. Directed by William Eubank, this film envelops viewers in an isolated atmosphere that echoes the thrills of Alien. The narrative stars Kristen Stewart, who leads a cast of exceptional actors as they navigate survival in an underwater research facility ravaged by an earthquake during an oil-drilling expedition. Their struggle to escape becomes increasingly perilous when they discover they are not alone, as an ominous creature awakens, drawn to their operations.
As the crew encounters various challenges with their technology and environment, they are forced to explore the treacherous ocean floor, becoming victims one by one to the interaction with these unknown entities. The situation escalates when they stumble upon a nest of humanoid sea creatures, all seemingly controlled by an even more formidable beast. Ultimately, only Price (Kristen Stewart), Haversham (Jessica Henwick), and Smith (John Gallagher Jr.) manage to reach the safety of Roebuck station, where Price confronts a dire choice between her own life and the survival of her companions.
What Transpires with the Monster?
At Least One Creature May Have Endured
In the climax of Underwater, Price fully grasps the gravity of her predicament and the necessity of ensuring that at least one individual escapes to the surface. She opts to make the ultimate sacrifice to eliminate the more considerable threat they face.
As Price witnesses Smith and Haversham’s escape pods fleeing their dangers, a swarm of humanoid creatures pursues them, while a colossal monster retaliates against the Roebuck station. Upon realizing that their chances of survival are dwindling, Price resolves not only to fend off the creature but also to save her friends. She carries out a desperate plan: overloading the Roebuck’s engines to instigate an explosion.
This bold maneuver ensures that the nest of creatures is obliterated, granting Smith and Haversham a crucial opportunity for escape. However, while it appears that Price perishes in the explosion, the fate of the giant monster remains ambiguous. Observers note that it seems to be caught in the explosion’s aftermath, yet hints at the existence of other similar creatures lurking beneath the waves.
Understanding the Significance of Underwater’s Conclusion
The Mission Suggests Broader Dangers
The conclusion of Underwater signals a deeper narrative about the ocean’s many concealed threats. Smith and Haversham’s survival suggests that while the immediate dangers might have been quelled, the overarching tale implicates the drilling corporation, Tian Industries, in a much graver conspiracy. Evidence points to the company’s knowing engagement with these aquatic dangers, indicating their possible intent to provoke and research these formidable beings.
The credits roll over an array of newspaper clippings, illuminating the ensuing chaos and how Tian Industries attempts to suppress Smith and Haversham’s accounts of the calamity. Further reading reveals similar incidents linked to past drilling endeavors by the company, suggesting that their relentless pursuit of resources within the Mariana Trench could ignite new catastrophes. This frames the mission in Underwater as merely a fragment of a larger, sinister puzzle involving a corporation that resonates with echoes of the infamous Weyland-Yutani.
Potential Sequel Set-Up from Underwater’s Finale
An Expansive Story Awaits
The revelation of Tian Industries’ connections to nefarious activities indicates that the ocean’s dangers are far from over, and this may not be the last time we encounter these creatures. Future expeditions, whether involving Smith and Haversham or a new crew, may unearth further terrifying entities, paving the way for sequels. The lingering possibility of Smith and Haversham’s quest for Price, even though redundancy looms regarding her fate, opens the door for deeper exploration.
Audience Reactions to Underwater’s Conclusion
Underwater Received Mixed Reviews
Kristen Stewart’s steadfast choice to have her character meet a fatal end stirred conversations and division among viewers and critics alike.
Many spectators expressed dissatisfaction that Stewart’s character—central to the film’s promotion—did not survive, while the actress herself championed the conclusion. Stewart advocated for the storyline that emphasized her character’s ultimate sacrifice, suggesting it reflected a profound theme of empathy and the greater good. When discussions arose about filming an alternate ending where her character escapes, she stood firm:
…we got notes from the studio saying we needed to shoot an alternate ending where she finds, at the very last second, a pod that works and survives. I was like, “No! That’s the last type of movie I want to make.”I literally wouldn’t have done this f***ing movie if it was like that. I loved the ending and think it says so much about finding empathy for people and how the greater good prevails. Jessica’s character has more to hold on to. It’s hard to relate to, because we all have a survival instinct, but it is actually the greater good.
…I tooth and nailed it. I would have thrown a f***ing fit. I would have been so upset. Even shooting the “alternative ending,”I was making fart noises and being like, “This isn’t cool.”I hated it so much. It was so diluted and scared. Like what, we can’t tell a real story? Because we’re trying to make money? I thought it was such bulls**t. So yes, I totally fought for it.
Despite the film’s box office performance failing to meet expectations and the mixed reviews from critics, the potential for a sequel appears dim, leaving audiences with the unresolved tension and thematic richness that Kristen Stewart ardently defended.
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