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
- 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]