The Tank

The Tank (2023)

Is a lean, low-budget creature-feature horror film written and directed by Scott Walker. Its premise is deceptively simple: a family discovers a terrifying amphibian monster hidden within a coastal property they inherit. Drawing on supernatural mystery, family secrets, and practical creature effects, the film creates a claustrophobic, tense atmosphere in a remote setting.

The cast includes Matt Whelan as Ben; Luciane Buchanan as his wife Jules; Zara Nausbaum as their daughter Reia; and a family dog named Archie. They arrive at the inherited house on the Oregon coast, hoping to fix it up and capitalize on its scenic location. Instead, they uncover a sealed underground water tank connected to ancient caves. This submerged chamber becomes the lair of a blind, amphibious creature that perceives intruders as prey.

As they explore the house, eerie hints of a family history begin to emerge. Ben’s father and sister mysteriously disappeared before his birth. Scattered newspaper clippings and diary entries reveal a legacy of tragedy tied to the property. Director Scott Walker uses blue-hued slow-motion flashbacks to evoke atmosphere and deepen the mystery—though these stylistic touches have drawn criticism for disrupting the film’s pacing rather than enhancing it.

The highlight of The Tank is undeniably its creature design. Handcrafted by Wētā Workshop under Richard Taylor’s direction, the monster harkens back to classic horror icons like Creature from the Black Lagoon and Aliens. Critics have praised the film for its commitment to practical effects over CGI, describing the creature as “hideous” and “convincing.” The tactile realism of the monster pays off, especially in the dark, damp tunnels that recall the claustrophobic tension of 1980s horror.

However, suspense builds slowly. Many viewers note that noticeable action doesn’t begin until over halfway through the 100-minute runtime. While this slow burn contributes to atmosphere, it may test viewers’ patience. Some reviews suggest the pacing makes the film an “effective one-time watch” — appreciated for its creature craftsmanship and setting, but struggling to engage before revealing its central threat.

The performances are mixed but school Jules as a memorable lead. Luciane Buchanan brings grit and determination to her role, while Matt Whelan’s performance as Ben has received criticism for awkward delivery and inconsistent accent work. Dialogue occasionally comes across as stilted, which undermines the family dynamic and emotional stakes.

On audience forums, opinions vary. Some horror fans are blunt about the creature suits, likening them to those seen in retro genre fare. Others offer a more positive view, noting that while the design is sometimes exposed, it remains solid and distinctive. The cast’s performances receive a range of responses, from adequate to surprisingly strong given the low-budget constraints.

The climax unfolds in and around the titular tank, featuring makeshift weapons like bleach and fire to fend off the subterranean monsters. This finale evokes the resourceful, fiery showdowns of classic survival horror, delivering the film’s most intense and satisfying scenes.

Despite its strengths, critics point out that The Tank never fully resolves its narrative threads. The abrupt ending and lingering questions about family backstory leave some viewers feeling like the payoff didn’t quite match the buildup. The cinematography effectively captures the eerie isolation of the Oregon coast, but story elements feel underdeveloped.

In summary, The Tank (2023) is a practical-effects-driven homage to vintage creature features. It succeeds as a nostalgic, one-time horror experience, delivering tactile monsters, atmospheric tension, and a fiery final confrontation. It may not satisfy those seeking deep character work or tight pacing, but fans of monster horror and practical creature design will likely find enough here to appreciate its dark, submerged thrills.