Black Water (2007)

I prefer the original Australian title "Fuck, We're Stuck in a Tree Mate!" Black Water finds three tourists stuck on a remote river in the outback after a violent crocodile attack strands them. The film is structurally identical to Open Water, with our protagonists battling unseen forces of nature and the elements with little to no on screen action. The similarities dont end here, as several of the scenes (particularly a lightning-set night shot) are directly lifted from its superior predecessor. The film's greatest asset is also its biggest flaw, as it successfully conveys a realistic situation that is entirely within the realm of believability. The problem here is that reality is often very boring, especially when the reality is three people hiding in trees from (mostly) hidden crocodiles for over an hour. The filmmakers do deserve credit for the creative framing and editing that integrates footage of a real crocodile seemlessly into the frame with the actors, made all the more impressive by the lack of any computerized imagery. Black Water isnt entirely without merit, but it is an obvious clone that does not improve upon the uniqueness and originality Open Water offered its audience.

Rating: 6/10.
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