The Abyss

    The Abyss
    1989

    Synopsis

    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.

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    Cast

    • Ed HarrisVirgil 'Bud' Brigman
    • Mary Elizabeth MastrantonioLindsey Brigman
    • Michael BiehnLieutenant Hiram Coffey
    • Leo BurmesterCatton ‘Catfish’ De Vries
    • Todd GraffAlan 'Hippy' Carnes
    • John Bedford LloydJammer Willis
    • Kimberly ScottLisa 'One Night' Standing
    • Chris ElliottBendix
    • J.C. QuinnArliss 'Sonny' Dawson
    • Pierce Oliver Brewer, Jr.Lew Finler

    Recommendations

    • 80

      Washington Post

      Before this voyage plummets into Stevie Spielberg's locker, the human stuff is more than worth the descent.
    • 75

      USA Today

      If you end up cursing, try not to forget The Abyss' spectacular oil-rig collapse, a killer chase scene, two fine leads, and one Oscar-worthy "creature'' special effect midway through. Do forget the rest - unless you really dig Casper, the Friendly Ghost. [9 Aug 1989, Life, p.1D]
    • 75

      Entertainment Weekly

      The Abyss ends with a whimper. But it starts out with a bang that lasts for an exciting hour and a half. And that's enough to make it worth taking the plunge.
    • 75

      San Francisco Chronicle

      Both Mastrantonio and Harris are terrific, never missing a beat, always convincing, even when playing the most extreme emotions. [9 Aug 1989, Daily Datebook, p.E1]
    • 75

      Chicago Tribune

      The Abyss is at its best during such moments of reverie-when the abstract metaphors and the unique physicality of the deep sea setting come together to produce powerful, unvoiced meanings. The film does have its beckoning depths; what it needs is a more polished surface. [9 Aug 1989, Tempo, p.1]
    • 70

      Variety

      A firstrate underwater suspenser with an otherworldly twist, The Abyss suffers from a payoff unworthy of its buildup.
    • 50

      TV Guide Magazine

      It lacks the emotional impact and suspense of its predecessors and is spoiled by a disappointingly inane ending. What ultimately saves the film are its extraordinary sets and phenomenal Oscar-winning visual effects.
    • 50

      Time

      Harris and Mastrantonio do have a strong death and resurrection sequence, but long before that, one is pining for a rubber shark or a plastic octopus -- anything, in fact, out of a good old low-tech thriller. [14 Aug 1989, p.79]

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