"Deepwater Horizon" Review - Diving Into the Disaster

All I can say…is WOAH. “Deepwater Horizon” is amazing and simply one hell of a ride when it comes to building suspense and your level of anger. This suspense and anger though all come out so equally balanced to make a film that is masterfully memorable and impactful.

The first half of this movie is told as if it were a documentary. You learn about everyone’s characters, the operations of the massive oil rig, and what every character does both in the shadows and on the work field. Thoughout this entire movie, every actor, especially Mark Wahlberg and Kurt Russel give such powerful performances that bring out the passion and heroism in every line and movement delivered. The best part about the 1st act is you learn the whole story about the problems that led up to the explosion and who the real culprits were behind the oil spill. None of the cinematography feels boring and none of the acting feels like a soap opera which really helps bring out the drama of each scene. Thus, everything you learn going into the1st half is put together so well and it defiantly prepares you for the 2nd half of what’s about to come.

The 2nd half is all action. I’ll keep it short and sweet here. The 2nd act is pretty perfect. It’s not too long, and each side of the mission is shown in it’s spotlight for the right amount of time. The sound design is ridiculously beautiful and the effects are good enough to remind you of the opening 30 minutes of “Saving Private Ryan”. Yes, there are some really stupid fictionalized moments, but what true story movie doesn’t?

I remember hearing about this and being so devastated about the continuous oil being spewed out into the ocean, and all the wildlife, water, and humans being affected by the black gold. It tore my heart apart. When you learn the whole story behind this event, it will make your blood boil. It surely made mine. But don’t fear, you will also feel fear, sadness, and other uplifting feelings when all is said and done.

If this is how good Peter Berg’s directing really is, then I really can’t wait to see how “Patriot’s Day” comes out (also directed by Berg).

Two Nebs Up!