Open Water

Open Water

Year: 2004

Runtime: 79 min

Language: english

Director: Chris Kentis

DramaThrillerHorror

While on a shark-diving trip off the Australian coast, three friends encounter disaster when their boat is capsized by a sudden wave. They find themselves stranded in open water, surrounded by a large number of great white sharks. Facing a terrifying situation, the friends must struggle to survive against the backdrop of the vast and dangerous ocean, battling not only the sharks but also the psychological impact of their predicament.

Warning: spoilers below!

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Timeline & Setting – Open Water (2004)

Explore the full timeline and setting of Open Water (2004). Follow every major event in chronological order and see how the environment shapes the story, characters, and dramatic tension.

Time period

The events of the movie occur in contemporary times, as evidenced by the modern elements such as the yacht and cellphone usage. The beach party vibe reflects a typical vacation setting for a group of friends today.

Location

El Matador Beach, Mexico

El Matador Beach is known for its stunning natural beauty, with dramatic sea stacks and vibrant sunsets. It serves as a picturesque backdrop for the film's exploration of friendship and survival. The beach is a popular destination for both locals and tourists seeking a serene coastal experience.

🏖️ Beach 🇲🇽 Mexico

Last Updated: January 10, 2025 at 12:47

Main Characters – Open Water (2004)

Meet the key characters of Open Water (2004), with detailed profiles, motivations, and roles in the plot. Understand their emotional journeys and what they reveal about the film’s deeper themes.

Amy (Blanchard Ryan)

Amy is a dedicated mother and wife grappling with her longstanding fear of water. Throughout the film, her initial hesitation transforms into sheer panic as she faces her childhood trauma of drowning while simultaneously fighting to protect her child. Amy's emotional strength is tested as she seeks to survive amidst the horrors unfolding at sea.

👩‍👧 Mother 🌊 Fearful

Captain Dan (Daniel Travis)

Captain Dan is portrayed as a charismatic yet reckless character who ultimately reveals his facade of success. His choices contribute to the group's perilous circumstances, and his admission of fraud attempts to add complexity to his character. As tensions rise, Dan's willingness to confront his own failings becomes critical to the narrative.

⚓ Captain 😔 Fraudulent

Michelle (Saul Stein)

Michelle is a lively and carefree character who initially seems essential to the group's social dynamic. However, when panic ensues, her frustration and fear escalate, leading to chaos among the friends. Her fate becomes a chilling reflection on the dangers they all face, serving as a turning point for the group.

💃 Fun-loving 😟 Panicked

Last Updated: January 10, 2025 at 12:47

Major Themes – Open Water (2004)

Explore the central themes of Open Water (2004), from psychological, social, and emotional dimensions to philosophical messages. Understand what the film is really saying beneath the surface.

🌊 Survival

The central theme of survival explores the desperation and resourcefulness of characters trapped in open water. As their situation becomes increasingly dire, their relationships are tested, revealing truths about their pasts and their interpersonal bonds. The struggle against nature highlights the fragility of life and the will to survive.

🤝 Friendship

Friendship forms the core of the narrative, where a group of old high school friends comes together to celebrate a milestone. The film poignantly illustrates how their connections shift in the face of impending disaster, showcasing loyalty, betrayal, and the complexity of relationships under pressure.

😱 Fear

Fear is a pervasive theme as characters confront both their phobias and the reality of mortality at sea. Amy's fear of the water becomes a catalyst for much of the film's tension, highlighting how fear can influence actions and decisions, sometimes with catastrophic consequences.

Last Updated: January 10, 2025 at 12:47

Unlock the Full Story of Open Water

Don't stop at just watching — explore Open Water in full detail. From the complete plot summary and scene-by-scene timeline to character breakdowns, thematic analysis, and a deep dive into the ending — every page helps you truly understand what Open Water is all about. Plus, discover what's next after the movie.

Open Water Summary

Read a complete plot summary of Open Water, including all key story points, character arcs, and turning points. This in-depth recap is ideal for understanding the narrative structure or reviewing what happened in the movie.

Open Water Summary

Open Water Timeline

Track the full timeline of Open Water with every major event arranged chronologically. Perfect for decoding non-linear storytelling, flashbacks, or parallel narratives with a clear scene-by-scene breakdown.

Open Water Timeline

More About Open Water

Visit What's After the Movie to explore more about Open Water: box office results, cast and crew info, production details, post-credit scenes, and external links — all in one place for movie fans and researchers.

More About Open Water

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