Movies: What Lurks Beneath (2024) by Jamie Bailey: A Claustrophobic Submarine Horror with a Sci-Fi Twist

 A Submarine Horror on the Brink of War

What Lurks Beneath is a Canadian horror-thriller from director Jamie Bailey. Set aboard the USS Titan, a nuclear submarine teetering on the brink of World War III with Russia, the film's premise quickly escalates from geopolitical tension to supernatural terror. When a mysterious, naked stowaway is discovered in a torpedo tube, Captain Banks (Ryan Giesen) and his crew initially suspect a Russian spy. They soon realize, however, that the woman is something far more dangerous, an otherworldly being that poses a threat to them and the world. The film is notable for its claustrophobic setting, which was filmed on an actual decommissioned submarine, lending it a palpable sense of authenticity and dread.

Why to watch this movie: A Fresh Take on Submarine Terror

• Tense and Claustrophobic Atmosphere: The film's setting on a real, cramped submarine is one of its biggest assets. The tight spaces and dim lighting create a powerful sense of dread and suspense that is a perfect fit for the horror genre.

• A Unique Sci-Fi/Horror Blend: What Lurks Beneath goes beyond a typical military thriller by introducing a mythical, supernatural element, providing a fresh and unexpected twist. This genre-bending approach sets it apart from other submarine movies.

• Independent Spirit: The film's impressive production quality on a small budget showcases the ambition and talent of its independent filmmakers. For fans of indie horror, this is a film that successfully punches above its weight.

Where to watch: https://www.justwatch.com/us/movie/what-lurks-beneath (US), https://www.justwatch.com/ca/movie/what-lurks-beneath (Canada)

Link IMDB: https://www.imdb.com/title/tt21417490/

What Trend is followed? Submarine Horror and The "Unseen Threat"

The film follows a trend of submarine horror, a subgenre that leverages the inherent claustrophobia and isolation of a deep-sea setting to amplify terror. It also taps into the "unseen threat" trope, where the horror comes from an unknown, powerful entity that preys on the characters, keeping the audience on edge.

• Psychological Terror: By confining the characters in a small space, the film is able to explore themes of paranoia and fear. The unseen threat and the close quarters test the crew's sanity, which is a key element of this trend.

• Exploiting the Environment: The submarine itself becomes a character, with its tight corridors and eerie sounds adding to the overall sense of dread.

Director's Vision: Blending Psychological Dread with Mythological Horror

Jamie Bailey, who also served as cinematographer, aimed to create a film that blends psychological suspense with a supernatural, almost folkloric element. His vision was to create an immersive experience where the audience feels the same sense of dread and isolation as the submarine crew.

• Authentic Cinematography: Bailey used the cramped quarters of the decommissioned submarine to his advantage, creating a tense atmosphere with tight shots and dark, moody lighting.

• Character-Driven Fear: The director's focus is on the human response to the unknown, exploring how a logical, military-trained crew reacts when confronted with a force that defies all rational explanation.

Themes: Fear of the Unknown and The Dehumanizing Nature of War

The film explores a number of deep, psychological themes.

• Fear of the Unknown: The crew is not only dealing with the fear of nuclear war, but also with an unseen, unexplainable entity. This dual threat taps into a primal fear of what lurks beyond human comprehension.

• The Inhumanity of Conflict: The setting of a nuclear submarine on the brink of war is a commentary on the dehumanizing nature of conflict. The characters are reduced to their roles as soldiers, but the presence of the mythical creature forces them to confront their humanity.

• Suspicion and Paranoia: The film uses the tight setting to explore how quickly suspicion can turn to paranoia among people who are trapped together, and how trust breaks down under pressure.

Key success factors: Atmosphere, Setting, and a Pacing

The film's success is due to its effective use of setting, a strong sense of atmosphere, and a steady pace that builds tension.

• Impressive Production Design: The use of a real submarine provides an authentic backdrop that creates a palpable sense of claustrophobia.

• Building Suspense: The film takes its time to establish the characters and the setting before revealing the full extent of the horror. This slow-burn approach is crucial to the overall effect of the film.

• Strong Lead Performances: The actors, particularly Simon Phillips as the captain, successfully convey the crew's fear and desperation as their world unravels.

Awards and Nominations: A Canadian Indie Winner

What Lurks Beneath won Best Film and Best Director at the Buffalo Dreams Fantastic Film Festival, demonstrating its strong reception on the festival circuit.

Critics reception: A Mixed but Positive Reception

• Nerdly: The review praises the film's technical aspects, particularly the cinematography, but argues that the script doesn't fully take advantage of the tense setting.

• Love Horror: The review commends the film's "chilling" blend of a "subterranean suspense" with "mythical intrigue," and notes that it was praised by critics at the Buffalo Dreams Fantastic Film Festival.

• Overall Summary: Critical reception is mixed but generally positive, with reviewers praising the film's atmosphere and director Jamie Bailey's technical skill. Some critics feel the script could have been stronger, but all agree that the film is a commendable effort for an independent horror film.

Reviews: A Solid Horror Film

• Plex: Early user reviews on Plex note that while the film has some flaws, its promise and execution are solid. One review states that the film "struggles to deliver on either front" (horror or tension), but that the "authenticity of the submarine and a few decent moments make it watchable."

• Overall Summary: Reviews from viewers on platforms like Plex tend to be mixed. While some viewers feel the film is a solid and enjoyable watch, others felt it didn't live up to its full potential.

Movie Trend: Indie Horror Ambitious Beyond its Budget

The film is a great example of a growing trend in independent horror filmmaking where directors use clever filmmaking and strong visuals to create a film that feels much bigger than its budget. It also fits into the trend of a return to creature-feature horror.

Social Trend: Fears of Nuclear Brinkmanship

The film's plot, set on a nuclear submarine on the brink of war with Russia, taps into a current social trend of anxiety and fear about geopolitical instability and the threat of nuclear conflict. The film uses this real-world anxiety to enhance its sense of dread.

Final Verdict: A Tense and Ambitious Indie

What Lurks Beneath is a tense and ambitious indie horror film that successfully uses its limited budget and a strong setting to create a claustrophobic and unsettling atmosphere. While it may have some flaws, it is a noteworthy film for its genre-bending approach and its effective use of psychological terror.