Storyline
A civilian oil rig crew is recruited to conduct a search and rescue effort when a nuclear submarine mysteriously sinks. One diver soon finds himself on a spectacular odyssey 25,000 feet below the ocean's surface where he confronts a mysterious force that has the power to change the world or destroy it.
Directors
Cast
Ed Harris, Jimmie Ray Weeks, John Bedford Lloyd, Mary Elizabeth Mastrantonio, Michael Chapman, Chris Elliott, Kimberly Scott, Michael Biehn, Todd Graff, Ken Jenkins, Adam Nelson, Leo Burmester, Michael Beach, J. Kenneth Campbell, J.C. Quinn, Dick Warlock, Captain Kidd Brewer Jr., George Robert Klek, Christopher Murphy, Peter Ratray
Trailer
Reviews
80
Before this voyage plummets into Stevie Spielberg's locker, the human stuff is more than worth the descent.
75
USA Today
If you end up cursing, try not to forget The Abyss' spectacular oil-rig collapse, a killer chase scene, two fine leads, and one Oscar-worthy "creature'' special effect midway through. Do forget the rest - unless you really dig Casper, the Friendly Ghost. [9 Aug 1989, Life, p.1D]
75
Entertainment Weekly
The Abyss ends with a whimper. But it starts out with a bang that lasts for an exciting hour and a half. And that's enough to make it worth taking the plunge.
75
San Francisco Chronicle
Both Mastrantonio and Harris are terrific, never missing a beat, always convincing, even when playing the most extreme emotions. [9 Aug 1989, Daily Datebook, p.E1]
75
Chicago Tribune
The Abyss is at its best during such moments of reverie-when the abstract metaphors and the unique physicality of the deep sea setting come together to produce powerful, unvoiced meanings. The film does have its beckoning depths; what it needs is a more polished surface. [9 Aug 1989, Tempo, p.1]
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