Black Water, the new Australian thriller, is a terrifying journey into crocodile infested waters of the Northern Territory. The plot centres around three unsuspecting tourists who hire a small boat to take them on a fishing expedition. Told they have nothing to fear, as all the crocs in the area have been captured, they excitedly board their tinnie. And this is a decision that will change the course of their lives.
This new Australian thriller, I am pleased to say, really is a 'thriller'. It is a credit to writer directors Andrew Traucki and David Nerlich that Black Water is so compelling. The use of clever, yet uncomplicated camera moves and an eerie soundtrack tells the story simply and effectively.
The setting is provocative and creepy. Thankfully the filmmakers don’t rely heavily on CGI or effects to tell their tale. Instead they film on location and use a real crocodile that looks very real indeed.
Due to a tight, well structured script and economical use of dialogue, the character’s reactions seem very real. The performances from the three leads, Diana Glenn, Andy Rodoreda and Maeve Dermody are all terrific"¦ And Dermody is a revelation.
Just like the successful film Wolf Creek, the scenario in Black Water felt like it could happen to me; a great basis for a horror film, and apart from a strange music choice toward the end, I was thoroughly engaged "¦ I even let out the odd shriek!
For a good thrill that will not be great for tourism in the top end, Black Water has real bite 3.5 stars.
