Horror Review: BELOW (2002)

It's World War II. The USS Tiger Shark picks up 3 survivors from a British hospital ship that was attacked by a German submarine. Among them are 2nd mate Kingsley, nurse Claire Paige, and one of her badly injured patients. With enemy boats hot on the Tiger Shark's tail and the closest British port a near 3 day detour, the ship has no choice but to press on with the three on board. Soon strange events begin to occur that indicate there may be something else on board with all of them... 



To my knowledge, Below is the only paranormal horror film that takes place on a submarine, giving it that unique touch that makes recommending it so much more satisfying. It perfectly blends two genres that rarely meet and that alone is commendable. While the plot is a tad easy to guess, the journey is chock full of suspense and some genuinely chilling moments, my favorite of which happens while four of the men are fixing an oil leak within the ship's outer hull. Unfortunately most of these moments are spoiled in the trailer, which I would strongly advise against watching.



Below features great performances all around, most notably Bruce Greenwood, Olivia Williams, and Matthew Davis. Zach Galifianakis makes an appearance as a fun, superstitious crewman "Weird Wally". The dialogue for the most part is well-written thanks to David Twohy, Lucas Sussman, and Darren Aronofsky of Black Swan and Requiem For A Dream fame. This movie was overlooked at the box office, raking in a measly $2.6 million worldwide on an estimated $40 million budget, which is a real tragedy because it deserved so much more love.