"Open Water" is a gripping horror-thriller based on a harrowing true story. The film follows the ordeal of Susan and Daniel, an American couple on a vacation in the Caribbean. They decide to embark on a scuba diving adventure, but due to a miscount by the boat crew, they are accidentally left behind in shark-infested waters.
With no land in sight and the vast ocean around them, the couple faces the terrifying reality of being stranded in open water, surrounded by lurking predators and battling the elements.
Release Information
Release Date:
August 20, 2003
Duration:
79 minutes
Rating:
R (for language and some nudity)
Country of Origin:
USA
Cast & Crew
Main Cast:
- Blanchard Ryan as Susan Watkins
- Daniel Travis as Daniel Kintner
Supporting Cast:
- Saul Stein as Seth
- Michael E. Williamson as Davis
- Cristina Zenato as Linda
Director:
Chris Kentis
Writers:
Chris Kentis
Where to Stream
United States (US)
There are currently no streaming offers in the US.
Streaming:
- Dive into the mystery of "Shutter Island" on fuboTV and Hoopla.
Purchase & Rent:
- For those who prefer owning or renting, options abound! You can buy or rent "Shutter Island" on Apple TV, Amazon Video, Google Play Movies, YouTube, Vudu, Microsoft Store, Redbox, DIRECTV, and Spectrum On Demand.
Australia (AU)
There are currently no streaming offers in the AU.
Streaming:
- Aussies can immerse themselves in the gripping tale on Netflix, Stan, Starz Play Amazon Channel, and even Netflix basic with Ads.
Purchase & Rent:
- If you're looking to add "Shutter Island" to your collection or just rent it for a night, head over to Apple TV, Amazon Video, Google Play Movies, Microsoft Store, or YouTube.
United Kingdom (GB)
There are currently no streaming offers in the GB.
Streaming:
- British cinephiles can stream the suspense on Sky Go, Now TV Cinema, and MGM Amazon Channel.
Purchase & Rent:
- For those in the UK wanting to buy or rent, options include Amazon Video, Apple TV, Google Play Movies, Chili, Microsoft Store, YouTube, Rakuten TV, and Sky Store.
Germany (DE)
There are currently no streaming offers in the DE.
Streaming:
- Germans can delve into the enigma on MGM Amazon Channel.
Purchase & Rent:
- For those looking to buy or rent in Germany, the movie is available on Apple TV, Amazon Video, Google Play Movies, YouTube, Rakuten TV, maxdome Store, and Microsoft Store.
Brazil (BR)
There are currently no streaming offers in the BR.
Streaming:
- Brazilians can enjoy the thriller on Amazon Prime Video, HBO Max, and MGM Amazon Channel.
Purchase & Rent:
- If you're in Brazil and looking to buy or rent, you can find "Shutter Island" on Apple TV and Google Play Movies.
Spain (ES)
There are currently no streaming offers in the ES.
Streaming:
- Spaniards can get lost in the story on MGM Amazon Channel.
Purchase & Rent:
- In Spain, those wanting to buy or rent the movie can head to Apple TV, Google Play Movies, and Amazon Video.
France (FR)
There are currently no streaming offers in the FR.
Purchase & Rent:
- The French audience, while not having streaming options, can buy or rent "Shutter Island" on Apple TV, Microsoft Store, Canal VOD, and Amazon Video.
Canada (CA)
There are currently no streaming offers in the CA.
Streaming:
- Canadians can unravel the mystery on Netflix, Hoopla, and Netflix basic with Ads.
Purchase & Rent:
- For those in Canada looking to buy or rent, options include Apple TV, Google Play Movies, Microsoft Store, YouTube, and Amazon Video.
Production Details
Production Company:
Plunge Pictures LLC
Distributor:
Lions Gate Films
Budget:
Approximately $500,000
Box Office Collection:
Over $54 million worldwide
Reception
Critical Reception:
"Open Water" was lauded for its realistic portrayal of a couple's survival ordeal in the vast, unpredictable ocean. Critics praised the film for its minimalist approach, relying on the genuine fear of the unknown rather than traditional horror tropes. The movie's use of real sharks, instead of CGI or mechanical replicas, added a layer of authenticity that intensified the suspense.
Roger Ebert, in his review, mentioned, "It's not what's in the water but what might be, and where, and how close, and what it intends." The film's ability to tap into the primal fear of being stranded in an endless expanse, vulnerable to nature's unpredictable threats, was its strongest suit.
Audience Reception:
The film resonated with audiences, especially those with a fear of the open ocean or sharks. Its claustrophobic atmosphere, despite the vast setting, made viewers feel the desperation and hopelessness of the protagonists. The movie's ending, which avoids the typical Hollywood resolution, left many viewers in shock, adding to its lasting impact.
Awards & Nominations:
"Open Water" received several nominations and awards in various film festivals. It was nominated for the Saturn Award for Best Horror Film and won the Golden Trailer Award for Best Horror/Thriller. The film's unique approach to the horror genre, combined with its low-budget production that yielded high box office returns, made it a standout in 2003's cinematic landscape.