Black Water

Introduction

Australia isn't known for its horror films and production companies weren't interested in financing them until Wolf Creek became a worldwide success. Obviously impressed by the bankability of an Australian horror film, the Australian Film Commission together with Territorial Film Developments financed the project by co-writers and directors David Nerlich and Andrew Traucki.

On holiday in Northern Australia, Grace, boyfriend Adam and sister Lee take a tour of a crocodile farm, then go on a fishing trip in the mangroves. Suddenly something hits the boat, capsizing it and separating them from their guide, who has disappeared in the swamp. Realising that a rogue crocodile is in the water, Lee, Adam and Grace seek refuge in a tree while they decide on a plan to get out alive.

The opening of Black Water claims that it is based on true events.

Video

A very sharp transfer of a recent release. The blue screen and live action splices are flawlessly integrated and you'd swear that the crocodile was really in the water with the cast.

Audio

Given the choice of Dolby Digital 5.1 or stereo, I went for the 5.1 and it is a stunningly clear track, really adding to the atmosphere with each ripple of water cranking up the tension.

Extra Features

The 22 minute making of covers all bases, showing how filming was done and the difficulties of shooting in a mangrove, the cast and crew interviews tell how they came up with the project and got the cast.

There are also deleted scenes, lasting for about 4 minutes.

Conclusion

The premise of Black Water is very similar to 2003's brilliant Open Water in which two divers were left behind at the mercy of the elements and sharks. Black Water is equally effective, playing on primal fears of being lost and preyed upon by one of nature's killers.

It just shows what you can do on a small budget, that with three people in a tree and a crocodile you rarely see, a film can still tie your stomach in knots and make you jump at the slightest noise.

Black Water is a terrific genre piece and definitely one for horror fans to check out.