Phil Volken’s Dead Sea takes the tried-and-true formula of oceanic survival horror and blends it with a grim and unsettling reality of human trafficking. While the film doesn’t reinvent the genre, it provides a tense and serviceable thriller that delivers a slow-building dread, punctuated by moments of sheer brutality.

The performances elevate the film above its straight-to-home-entertainment origins. Kaya, played with conviction by Isabel Gravitt, anchors the film with a blend of vulnerability and resilience. The dynamic between the three stranded friends feels natural, making their plight all the more gripping. The real standout, however, is the ship’s captain, Ray (Alexander Wraith)—portrayed with an eerie mix of menace and charm, making him a truly detestable villain.

Despite its strengths, Dead Sea treads a somewhat predictable path. The film borrows heavily from survival horror tropes, and seasoned viewers will see many of the twists coming. While the tension remains effective, the screenplay doesn’t fully capitalise on the psychological terror that could have been explored in such a confined setting. The cinematography, though competent, lacks the stylistic flair that could have made the film visually more memorable.

That said, Dead Sea still delivers enough suspense to keep audiences engaged. The film does well to maintain a sense of claustrophobic dread aboard the trawler, and when the violence erupts, it doesn’t hold back. The film’s commentary on human trafficking and black-market organ trade adds an extra layer of horror, making it more unsettling than your average lost-at-sea thriller.

For fans of survival horror and maritime thrillers, Dead Sea offers a solid—if not groundbreaking—entry into the genre. It’s a film that will keep you engaged but likely won’t linger in your mind.

The Prognosis:

A solid effort in the home entertainment space, Dead Sea delivers competent performances and steady tension but ultimately follows a familiar course without breaking new ground.

• Saul Muerte

Available to rent or buy on Digital at Apple TV, Prime Video, Google TV, YouTube, and Fetch (AU). Own it on DVD at JB Hi-Fi and Sanity from April 9th.