Most critics have been saying that "Open Water" is a combination of "The Blair Witch Project" meets "Jaws", and there really is no better way to say it so I think I'll stick to that comparison. I guess this is suppose to be the "Cabin Fever" of 2004. Both films were released by Lions Gate Entertainment, the heralds of odd little horror movies; both films are indie beyond all belief; and both films walked home with some prizes at some very prestigious film festivals. Alas, "Open Water" is no "Cabin Fever". "Cabin Fever" was a ridiculous gore fest with little plot and very few scares. "Open Water" is a simple, complex, emotionally driven story about fear, human nature, and relationships. We also get some sharks too.

      This is the true story of Susan (Blanchard Ryan) and Daniel (Daniel Travis), two SCUBA divers left behind when their boat just up and leaves, forgetting all about them. Stuck in the middle of the ocean, they have nothing to do but rely on one another and try to think of ways in which they can survive. And, believe me, there are a lot of things that can kill you out in the middle of the ocean, sharks being the method with the sharpest teeth. So, almost 95% of this film is about two people in the middle of the ocean -- that's it. Sounds kind of boring, eh? Well, typically, I would agree; however, in "Open Water", director Chris Kentis manages to deliver some insightful dialogue and pulls some genuine emotional responses from his actors, more easily done considering that actress Blanchard Ryan was deathly afraid of sharks.

      This type of film either goes over really well or not at all. "The Blair Witch Project" was the godfather of these types of films, and it was enormously successful. Since then, we've seen numerous imitations like "The Last Broadcast". However, "Open Water" is not about a witch, or a ghost, or the supernatural, which is what makes it so terrifying. We can all picture ourselves in this potential situation. Think about all the times you've been out with a group and have thought, even just for a second, what would happen if you were left behind. "Open Water" is so basic in its terror because there is nothing quite as frightening as seeing something that could happen to you. We knew we weren't going to get chased by a witch. We weren't looking for ghosts to pop up. We knew "The Blair Witch Project" was never going to happen to us. "Open Water" does not give is that same luxury.

      The director, Chris Kentis, was responsible for a wonderful film entitled "Grind", which was released in 1997 and starred and then unheard of Billy Crudup. From that film alone, I knew I could expect brilliant things from this director. I would not have anticipated that "Open Water" would be his next cinematic venture, but I am glad it was. Now, don't get me wrong -- "Open Water" is not the best film of this nature -- it still pales in comparison to "The Blair Witch Project", but it is just as frightening as the trailers and critical reviews have said. I expect this film to do rather well during this part of the year, and maybe -- just maybe -- we will have another phenomenon, much like the Burkittsville phenomenon, on our hands. If not, "Open Water" still makes for good entertainment, whether it be dramatic or horror.