47 Meters Down is a 2017 survival horror film directed by Johannes Roberts (Forest of the Damned), starring Mandy Moore (Tangled), Claire Holt (The Vampire Diaries), Chris J. Johnson (Behind Enemy Lines: Colombia), Yani Gellman (Jason X), Santiago A. Segura (Pretty Little Liars) and Matthew Modine (Stranger Things).  The film follows sisters Lisa and Kate who, while cage diving in Mexico, are stranded on seafloor after the wire holding the cage snaps as their air supplies dwindle.

The plot of the film follows sisters Lisa and Kate who are on vacation in Mexico.  They are invited to go cage diving when the cable holding the cage breaks, sending the two girls plummeting to the ocean floor.  While they struggle to survive, they have to deal with their depleting air while being stalked by great white sharks.  The story isn’t original, but it is engaging and filled with suspense.  There are some twists that keep the film unpredictable, and the climax does leave much to be desired.  There’s no full resolution so the film does feel unfinished.  

The two lead characters of the film are Lisa (Mandy Moore) and Kate (Claire Holt).  The two are good characters and they have a good relationship, however they do feel like tropes due to their opposing lives and personalities.  Kate is adventurous and Lisa is more reserved.  Kate doesn’t seem to have a care in the world while Lisa is dealing with a recent break-up.  When the events of the film jump off Kate is more in control while Lisa breaks down.  The other characters are likable, but the movie is really about Lisa and Kate. (3 out of 5)

The special effects are done really well.  The ocean depths are dark and murky and help to maintain suspense. This is best represented during the moments where the camera is following Lisa’s line of sight when she gets lost. Brings an isolating feeling.  The great white sharks look really good, though there are moments where practical probably would’ve worked better than CGI.

Thumbs up to the soundtrack, which was well distributed by Tomandandy, who always does a great job.  The music is very intense and perfectly captures the suspense.  (4 out of 5)

The performances are pretty good, especially with the two leads Mandy Moore (Lisa) and Claire Holt (Kate).  The two have really good chemistry together.  Other performances include Chris J. Johnson (Javier), Yani Gellman (Louis), Santiago A. Segura (Benjamin), and Matthew Modine (Captain Taylor).

The writing works really well for the most part.  Johannes Roberts does a pretty good job of presenting the movie.  Suspense is handled really well and definitely drives the movie.  Also, there is the balance of the sharks.  The movie comes off as a killer shark film however, the movie is more a survival movie with shark elements in it.  The pacing is really good although the film feels like there is a lot missing.  It feels like it doesn’t reach as far as it could’ve gone.  There should’ve been more written in especially when it comes to the other characters. Javier is killed off without really doing anything to advance the plot.  He should’ve had a bigger role.  Even with the kill sequences, there probably should’ve been more gore to help emphasize the attacks.  There should’ve been more focus on Taylor and the others as they attempt to rescue the two.  (3 out of 5)

The Verdict: In the end, 47 Meters Down is a decent film and definitely worth a watch.  Despite the movie not being as intense as it could’ve been it is does feature a good story, good characters, good cast and performances, good visuals, and a great score. 47 Meters Down gets 3 out of 5.