10 Great Horror Movies With An Incredibly Simple Premise
7. Open Water
The harrowing true story of Tom and Eileen Lonergan served as inspiration for this effective low-budget chiller.
The Lonergans were left behind on a scuba diving trip in the Coral Sea in Australia back in 1998. By the time their disappearance was noted, the pair had completely vanished. Main characters Susan Watkins and Daniel Kintner find themselves in a similar situation here, lost at sea after foolishly splitting from their scuba group for a spell.
From there, we follow the floating couple as the doom of their situation gradually sinks in. It’s not a jumpscare-laden thrill ride by any stretch, but Open Water succeeds admirably in capturing an all too real fear of being lost at sea. The hunger and delirium that gradually encroaches on the pair, coupled with the hungry sharks moving in, makes for an uncomfortable viewing experience.
Overall, it’s a highly effective, deceptively simple thriller. The lack of any real plotting once the pair find themselves adrift adds well to the aimless dread they suddenly find themselves dealing with. One can't help but feel infuriated when the folks back on land finally realise they've left customers at sea.