If you’re a horror movie collector, then you might already own 47 Meters Down, just with the alternate title In the Deep. The movie was originally set to release on VOD/DVD on August 6th last year, but after a change in the distribution company, the newly titled 47 Meters Down planned a release date for the theaters instead. If you haven’t heard of this one, then you are probably living under a rock because the advertisements are literally everywhere! And more often than not, movie posters splattered everywhere is a bad sign.

The premise of the film is simple; while vacationing in Mexico, spunky younger sister Kate, convinces her “boring” and vulnerable sister Lisa, to go cage diving in an ocean full of sharks. While getting on board they realize the boat and crew are a bit shady; but regardless, they decide to continue onto their vast oceanic adventure. A few minutes into their dive, the cable breaks and the girls find themselves 47 meters below the surface. Kate had taken diving classes before, but nothing could prepare them for what’s to come.

47 Meters Down defies the odds and proves to be something more

We dive into the relationship between the sisters Lisa (Mandy Moore) and Kate (Claire Holt) immediately. Their personalities are identified and displayed within the first ten minutes. I was a bit skeptical about the leading ladies since they have absolutely no history in horror; however, I must admit casting was very well done. The acting feels organic and fits the story well. You will sense the multiple emotions that the girls go through from beginning to end.

Director Johannes Roberts is no stranger to horror, though his previous genre works haven’t been the strongest. However, after watching this, it is evident that Roberts has taken a turn. There are a number of gorgeous shots that capture both the beauty and the terror of the underwater effortlessly. With that said, 47 Meters Down goes beyond just being another shark movie; it’s also a film that explores thalassophobia (fear of water or deep underwater) and the terrors of running out of air.

Of course when the main antagonist of a movie is a shark, you are bound to have a few parts where things look fabricated. But for the most part, everything looks authentic. Most importantly, there are few awkward CG scenes, which contributes to the scare factor.

There are a number of gorgeous shots that capture both the beauty and terror of the underwater effortlessly

It’s the sense of realism makes this one a great horror film. The water looks terrifying and so do the sharks. They could have cut the jump scares in half and focused more on the vast body of water and subtle shark cameos.

This year I haven’t seen many movies where I felt like I just had to go out there and recommend it to others, but this is one such film. It’s fun, it’s thrilling, and it’s a lot better than what the trailers make it out to be. 47 Meters Down defies the odds and proves to be something more.