The Abyss (2023)★ 5.6/10

The film has a very good premise, but the actors' performances are very weak, the dramas are superficial.

Though somewhat lengthy, the special effects are groundbreaking in '89 and the romantic aspect is handled quite well. Perhaps through this film, Cameron gained a better understanding of what he likes and excels at in filming. It laid the groundwork for his later works like Titanic and Avatar. However, the anti-war message feels overly simplistic.

Cameron was way ahead of his peers to be able to produce such a film 20 years ago. This three-hour-long movie blends science fiction, mystery, thriller, romance, and action seamlessly, turning a seemingly ordinary submarine accident into a reflection on anti-war issues, with not a single dull moments in between. Cameron's subsequent films, such as Titanic and Avatar, can be said to be inspired by this one.

I initially thought it was just another American blockbuster about human perseverance, but it turned out to be much more. It's no surprise that the director is Cameron. Cameron excels at creating an imagined world for the audience, whether it's underwater or in outer space. Additionally, Cameron appears to enjoy exploring the issue of coexistence between humans and extraterrestrial beings.

A great influence on other Cameron-style science fiction films. Like Dr. Strangelove, Cameron integrates his concerns about the future of humanity into the film. From the crises brought about by nature, the struggle between madness and reason, to the new world under the sea, the theme gradually becomes more profound. Cameron has the superb ability to depict complex plots in confined settings.