Rotten
This overlong concoction is scuppered by dire dialogue, histrionic performances and maudlin sentimentality.
Geoff Andrew, Time Out
The Abyss
When you get there, you will understand.
1989 · 2h 20m · PG-13
Adventure, Science Fiction, Thriller
Directed by
James Cameron
Overview
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.
Director and cast
- James Cameron Director
- Ed Harris as Virgil 'Bud' Brigman
- Mary Elizabeth Mastrantonio as Lindsey Brigman
- Michael Biehn as Lieutenant Hiram Coffey
- Leo Burmester as Catfish De Vries
- Todd Graff as Alan 'Hippy' Carnes
- John Bedford Lloyd as Jammer Willis
- Kimberly Scott as Lisa 'One Night' Standing
- Chris Elliott as Bendix
- J.C. Quinn as Arliss 'Sonny' Dawson
- Pierce Oliver Brewer, Jr. Cast
Critics on Rotten Tomatoes
Top critics, in their words
89%
Tomatometer
Fresh
A firstrate underwater suspenser with an otherworldly twist, The Abyss suffers from a payoff unworthy of its buildup.
Variety Staff, Variety
Rotten
The attempt to extract the essences of several genres (cold-war submarine thriller, love story, Disney fantasy, pseudomystical SF in the Spielberg mode) and mix them together ultimately leads to giddy incoherence.
Jonathan Rosenbaum, Chicago Reader
Fresh
Anyone looking for a discouraging word about this stupendously exciting and emotionally engulfing film should read no further. The Abyss confirms James Cameron as a world-class filmmaker.
Peter Travers, Rolling Stone
Fresh
The human stuff is more than worth the descent.
Desson Thomson, Washington Post
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