Dead Sea

Dead Sea from 2014, directed by Brandon Slagle, stars well-known actors such as Britt Griffith, Alexis Iacono, and JW Wiseman. The film lays down a believable and dark intersection of science-fiction and horror, in a compelling narrative that is sure to instigate a clammy feeling of underlying dread.

The protagonist, played skillfully by Britt Griffith, is a marine biologist named Brian, who has dedicated his life to preserve a unique marine species from extinction. The species, aptly called the "Scylla", inhabit the salty waters of the Salton Sea in California. Brian is forced to abandon his important work when a series of mysterious and tragic events take place in the marine community. It’s after going back to his small desert hometown that he realizes that the aquatic creatures he had been studying are behind the horrifying incidents.

The narrative artfully builds the apprehension and fear – what starts as inexplicable incidents soon turn into ghastly attacks. It becomes known that the marine creatures, who have been around for thousands of years and have survived several ecological catastrophes, have now come to the verge of extinction, leading them to fight for their survival. However, their definition of survival happens to be a gruesome one, as they prey on the townsfolk.

Alexis Iacono plays Skylar, an old flame of Brian, and the woman sheriff of the town. Her perceptions of her town and its people are about to take a sinister turn when she realizes they are being mercilessly devoured for reasons unknown. Skylar teams up with Brian, and, along with the help of Skylar's father (played by JW Wiseman), who has decades of military experience, the group sets out to put an end to the massacre caused by these horrifying creatures.

Dead Sea is a nerve-wracking tale of survival that combines mysterious sea creatures, a peaceful town in turmoil, science, human instincts, love, and a high-stakes fight against an ancient deep-sea predator. The movie takes the viewers on a high-paced and tense journey, where each scene is meant to keep them on the edge of their seats, letting the suspense build up to a stupefying climax. The director makes diligent use of panoramic aerial shots that give the audience a real feel for the vast, silent desert contrasted starkly with the murky depths of the Dead Sea — a deadly playground for the ancient creature.

Britt Griffith, known for his roles in numerous horror flicks, delivers a commanding performance as the brooding marine biologist. He adeptly portrays the metamorphosis from a peaceful researcher into a high stakes warriors bravely confronting an unknown, deadlier form of life.

Alexis Iacono also shines in her role as the sheriff bearing the weight of the townsfolk’s safety on her shoulders, while also dealing with her past relationship with Brian. Her characterization is full of layers and complexities, delivered with an emotional depth that makes the audience empathize with her plight. JW Wiseman brings a balanced performance to the table as the seasoned, wise, yet aggressive warrior willing to risk his life to protect his home and town.

While the movie does provide plenty of scares, the storyline is smartly designed to feed into the characters' progression and their dynamics that go through highs and lows. The script maintains a gripping suspense throughout, accentuated by the atmospheric cinematography, which captures the eerie calm of the desert town and the treachery of the sea, along with the creature dwelling beneath.

Overall, Dead Sea is a suspenseful and chilling sci-fi horror movie that explores a unique concept about our interaction with ancient, unknown sea creatures. The movie strikes a fine balance between scare tactics and a sound script with well-developed characters. It is an engrossing journey that effectively combines horror, action, and a dash of romance. It is likely to appeal to fans of the horror and sci-fi genres who enjoy tense, suspense-laden narratives that keep viewers at the edge of their seats.