An adventure-seeking couple, Eric and Jennifer convince their friends Yolanda and Viktor to explore an uncharted cave system in far North Australia, with the help of the unpredictable Cash as their guide.

The 5 spelunkers abseil into the deep mouth of the cave as a storm approaches, none are worried by the forecast, knowing they’ll be safe underground. But when the caves are flooded, they become disoriented and tensions rise as they struggle to find a way out. But dank air and rising water are the least of their worries as they discover the storm has also brought in hungry predators.

“Black Water: Abyss” (2020) is an Australian horror-thriller that blends survival elements with creature horror. The movie centers on a group of friends who venture into an unexplored cave system in the remote Australian wilderness. As they descend deeper, they are trapped by a torrential storm that floods the cave. To make matters worse, they soon discover that they are not alone — deadly crocodiles lurk in the rising waters.

Strengths:

• Tension & Atmosphere: The confined, claustrophobic setting of the cave contributes to a sense of dread throughout the film. The constant threat of rising water and lurking predators heightens the tension.

• Cinematography: The visuals of the underwater sequences and the dimly lit caves help build an eerie atmosphere, adding to the feeling of isolation and terror.

Weaknesses:

• Characters & Plot: The characters are fairly underdeveloped, making it difficult for the audience to emotionally connect with them. Some character decisions seem illogical, reducing the sense of believability.

• Pacing: While the movie builds suspense, it can feel repetitive at times, with long stretches of waiting that don’t always lead to satisfying payoffs.

Overall: “Black Water: Abyss” offers some effective moments of tension and fear, especially for fans of creature features, but it lacks the depth and originality to stand out in the crowded horror genre. It’s a decent watch for those who enjoy survival horror but doesn’t bring anything particularly new to the table.