Sanctum 3D, based on true events, begins with a team of divers exploring an undiscovered cave system in the South Pacific’s Esa-ala Caves. When warnings of a tropical storm begin, the team is swiftly thrown into a spiral of disasters that trap them in the caves. With no way to escape from the top, the team, left with few supplies, is forced to find another way out through the cave system.
This movie has James Cameron’s stamp all over it, literally and visually. The first shot of the film is obviously a nod to Cameron’s early critically acclaimed underwater thriller, The Abyss. Director Alister Grierson brazenly mimics that infamous image of the shadowy figure of a diver superimposed on a bright white light, leaving no room for creativity or imagination.
The film uses Avatar‘s film technology to create the most claustrophobic film you will ever see. The story follows the lead of Frank (Richard Roxburgh), a master diver leading the expedition into the unknown underwater cave system. Things take a turn for the worse when a tropical storm suddenly takes them by surprise, trapping them inside. Frank, his teenage son Josh (Rhys Wakefield), and their billionaire sponsor, Carl (Ioan Gruffudd) and his fiancée are forced to find a w.ay out through the treacherous caves. The trapped divers show all the typical traits of stock characters: the rich dude, the rich dude’s beautiful but mean fiancée, the loyal and humourous best friend, the spoiled child, and the tough-as-nails father.
Despite a lacklustre plot, the close-ups and the turning-360 shots were beautifully done, effectively conveying the entrapment of the divers. Claustrophobia hasn’t been more brilliantly conveyed since Hitchcock. The 3D effect heightens the illusion of literally pushing the screen towards your eyes and forcing you to experience the terrors that ensue. When Frank loses his focus and is trapped under water with no breathing apparatus, the spinning camera action imposes panic on your unwilling heart. These effects combined with the beautiful scenic shots help make the film bearable.
With underdeveloped acting and dialogue, acting veteran Roxburgh and newcomer Wakefield are able to breathe some life into their generic characters, revealing some heartfelt moments and development in their on-screen relationship. As Frank’s trusted friend, Dan Wyllie almost flawlessly executes his role as the comic relief. The subtle humour in the film is like an oxygen tank that replenishes the lungs, since the better half of the film will be spent holding your breath indefinitely.
Sanctum 3D is worth the mere thrill of experiencing the realities of cave diving in unchartered waters. Proceed with caution and don’t forget to breathe.
