Dad's Movie Lists
 

Dead Calm (1989), Director: Phillip Noyce, rated PG-13 for violence, rape

A couple alone at sea. When a stranger called for help, they made a fatal mistake... they answered.

Film ClipStarring: Sam Neill, Nicole Kidman, Billy Zane
 

DML Rating: ★★★★★★★★★★ - perfect

"Please don't shout. That's always been one of my problems. I can never tell people's real motives until it's too late." - Hughie Warriner

Why watch this? A tense sea tale about rescuing the wrong survivor.

Plot Summary: A young couple, John and Rae. after a life tragedy, seek solace on a yacht. John, after all, is an Austrailian Navy captain, so it should be smooth sailing. Their isolation is shattered when they rescue a lone survivor from a sinking ship, only to discover his chilling secret. The encounter sets off a terrifying ordeal at sea where they both must fight for survival.

Dad's Preview: This taut thriller features some extraordinary ocean-based cinematography. This is a three-actor film is essentially a game of cat and mouse as ordinary people become the prey of a madman. Sam Neill is excellent, and I can't say enough about Billy Zane, as the charming, yet psychotic, kidnapper. That said, I walked away enamored with newcomer Nicole Kidman. She can emote sheer terror one minute, then feminine strength the next. Her performance is impressive.


Kennedy Miller; Warner Bros.

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