“12 Feet Deep” (2017) is a psychological thriller and survival horror film directed by Matt Eskandari. The film stars Nora-Jane Noone, Alexandra Park, and Diogo Morgado in leading roles. The plot centers on two sisters, Bree (played by Nora-Jane Noone) and Jonna (played by Alexandra Park), who find themselves trapped underwater in a swimming pool.
The story begins when Bree and Jonna visit a public pool for a relaxing day. After some time, they end up accidentally locked inside the pool’s deep end after the facilityโs automated security system malfunctions. As the sisters try to escape, they realize that they are stuck in a deadly situation: the poolโs cover is locked, and there is no way to reach the surface without risking their lives. They are left fighting for survival, with limited air supply, increasing panic, and a mounting sense of claustrophobia.
The movie focuses on their struggle for survival as they battle not only physical exhaustion but also intense psychological pressures. With their oxygen running out and no way to call for help, the sisters must work together to figure out how to escape, while dealing with their own personal fears, traumas, and emotional tension. As the hours pass and the situation grows more dire, the film delves deeply into themes of desperation, hope, and human resilience in the face of life-threatening danger.
Despite the relatively confined setting, the film excels at creating a tense atmosphere, with the directors using the limited space to ramp up feelings of suffocation and anxiety. The performances of the two lead actresses are central to the filmโs impact, as they skillfully portray the evolving dynamics between the sisters, ranging from teamwork and support to frustration and desperation.
In addition to its suspenseful narrative, “12 Feet Deep” also explores the psychological toll that such a high-stakes situation can have on people, as both sisters must confront their own fears and internal conflicts while navigating the increasingly dire circumstances. The film keeps the audience on edge, with a constant sense of impending doom as the charactersโ oxygen depletes and the likelihood of rescue diminishes.
Although “12 Feet Deep” did not feature major Hollywood stars, it has earned attention for its strong sense of tension, emotional depth, and the claustrophobic, high-stress environment it creates. The film is a gripping exploration of survival, desperation, and the bond between siblings as they face life-and-death stakes together.