Dangerous Waters

Dangerous Waters (2023) – A Survival Thriller Adrift in Suspense and Betrayal

Dangerous Waters, directed by John Barr, is a 2023 survival thriller that unfolds primarily on the open sea, blending personal trauma with a tense atmosphere of suspicion, betrayal, and survival. The film stars Odeya Rush, Eric Dane, Saffron Burrows, and the late Ray Liotta in one of his final performances. While it may not revolutionize the genre, Dangerous Waters offers enough tension, twists, and action to keep viewers engaged throughout its brisk 101-minute runtime.

The story centers on 19-year-old Rose (played by Odeya Rush), who is invited on a yacht trip to Bermuda by her single mother, Alma (Saffron Burrows), and Alma’s new boyfriend, Derek (Eric Dane). What begins as a potentially relaxing getaway for Rose quickly turns into a nightmare. Derek’s secretive behavior raises red flags, and those concerns are confirmed when armed men storm the yacht, kill Alma, and leave the vessel burning. In the chaos, Derek is wounded, and Rose is forced into survival mode as she attempts to navigate both the physical dangers of the sea and the emotional trauma of losing her mother.

As the story progresses, Rose discovers that Derek is not just a victim but a man with dark secrets. He has ties to criminal activities, including smuggling, and his betrayal adds a chilling twist to the already tense situation. Stranded and alone after Derek’s final act of treachery, Rose manages to escape and reaches a secluded island. There, she uncovers a hidden camp where women are being held captive by a shadowy figure known only as The Captain, played by Ray Liotta. Rose’s fight for survival soon evolves into a mission to liberate the others and expose the full extent of the criminal operation.

Odeya Rush carries the film with a strong performance, transitioning convincingly from a passive teenager into a resourceful and determined protagonist. Her physical and emotional journey gives the film its emotional center. Eric Dane is appropriately menacing as Derek, embodying a character who is both charming and morally ambiguous. Ray Liotta, in one of his final roles, delivers a chilling performance that adds gravitas and a sense of looming dread, particularly in a climactic scene that reportedly evolved during filming into a haunting farewell.

Visually, Dangerous Waters benefits from its oceanic setting, with John Barr’s cinematography capturing both the beauty and isolation of the sea. The direction leans into suspense rather than spectacle, emphasizing psychological tension over elaborate action. The musical score by Zak McNeil supports the moody tone, reinforcing the film’s themes of fear, grief, and survival.

Although Dangerous Waters received mixed reviews from critics—some citing its predictable plot and uneven pacing—it has been praised for its central performances and atmospheric tension. It’s not a flawless film, but it is a competent thriller that keeps audiences guessing and delivers an emotionally charged finale.

In conclusion, Dangerous Waters is a story of survival and self-discovery, anchored by a strong lead performance and underscored by the ever-present threat of betrayal. It is a tense, watchable thriller that explores what happens when trust is broken on open water, and how far one will go to survive.