Australian writer-director Andrew Traucki got on the map with “Black Water” (2007), a gripping low-budget feature about a killer croc (no, not that one) stalking stranded tourists in a tree-filled river inlet. Rather than branching into other things, he has stuck with what he knows, following it up with a crocodile sequel (see review below), a jungle beast flick and two shark films (the second comes out this month).
Man vs. Nature. Advantage: Nature
And why not? He’s good at illustrating the fine line between civilization and deadly nature – especially in the wilds of Australia after your boat flips and you’re forced into a tree like a monkey. Except in this case, you’d rather be a monkey. Things like a coupon for a free coffee aren’t much help out here.
In “Black Water,” Traucki is helped by co-writer/co-director/visual effects creator David Nerlich and three totally convincing actors. The tale starts innocently as can be, with Grace (Diana Glenn), husband Adam (Andy Rodoreda) and kid sister Lee (Maeve Dermody) vacationing in northern Australia. They’re relaxed, they’re playing it by ear, and we like them.
“Black Water” (2007)
Directors: Andrew Traucki, David Nerlich
Writers: Andrew Traucki, David Nerlich
Stars: Diana Glenn, Maeve Dermody, Andy Rodoreda
But we’re not here to watch home movies. Tension encroaches when a guide takes them on a river cruise. But his dock co-owner is gone at the moment so nobody knows where they’re going. Playing it easy-breezy on vacation can be taken too far, we learn.
Tension-based horror movies are like original symphonic works. Traucki places scares in the right place the way a composer positions loud notes. Long stretches go by and then he hits you with a jump scare — “Black Water” has at least three.
The film is a safe way to experience nature without going into nature. Traucki breaks up shots of the trio convalescing in tree branches with wider shots of the waterlogged forest. But not too wide: He maintains the claustrophobia, reminding us that the croc owns this remote area and there’s no easy escape.
Saving some for later
As a bonus, we learn croc traits that play perfectly with the plot. For one, they don’t eat their whole meal right away; they save it for later. This leads to the creepy fact of a loved one’s corpse floating nearby as you hide in a tree; the croc will consume the body when it is hungry.
On the other hand, people can survive a croc bite if they get quick medical attention. Grace, Adam and Lee probably don’t have that luxury, though.
There’s no character building here; the performances are all about emotions, the primary one being fear. All three actors are great, especially Dermody. Lee is the audience surrogate because she’s the youngest and has the least authority among the trio. But she’ll be forced to learn on the spot.
Nerlich’s practical-effects crocodile looks real when we get a good view, but he uses it sparingly. Traucki builds a lot of the tension with drips and ripples in the water. The attack sequences are frantic, and the camera settles in place only when the croc’s snout goes still, its eyes staring straight ahead.
If there’s a downside to “Black Water,” it’s that it doesn’t have repeat value unless you simply want to admire the minimalist craftsmanship. And horror fans who want lots of gore and clear looks at toothsome killing blows might be disappointed. But in creating tension with the audience’s cooperation (as we put ourselves in Lee’s shoes – if she still had them after the boat-flipping attack), Traucki knows his craft.
A solid sequel
Shark-horror fans looking forward to “The Reef: Stalked” (July 29) will be happy to know Traucki has already proven he can helm a strong sequel with “Black Water: Abyss” (2020). Directing a screenplay by John Ridley and Sarah Smith, Traucki again emphasizes a gigantic croc’s preternatural ability to sneak up on people in the water even as they themselves try to minimize ripples.
At first, “Abyss” seems too similar to the original. A group takes off without telling anyone, thus perhaps making a cave system into their burial chamber. Yolanda (Amali Golden) even announces her pregnancy, as Grace had done.
“Black Water: Abyss” (2020)
Director: Andrew Traucki
Writers: John Ridley, Sarah Smith
Stars: Jessica McNamee, Luke Mitchell, Amali Golden
But while the scare factors are the same, the setting is quite different as five explorers (Jessica McNamee, Luke Mitchell, Benjamin Hoetjes and Anthony J. Sharpe join Golden) get caught underground in a croc’s flooded territory.
Their dimly lit, claustrophobic situation calls to mind the “Descent” films, including perhaps the most harrowing thing in horror – swimming toward potential safety, but only having tiny pockets of air to breathe along the way. I think I’d rather be stalked by cave mutants than this croc. Again, the practical effects are used crisply but sparingly.
Despite a bigger budget for the cave set and more characterization, the sequel is hampered by coming into a world that already has “Black Water,” the “Descent” films and “Crawl.” The actors are good, but the production is slicker, and I admire the near-guerilla style of the original a tad more.
But a daring “What the hell?!” ending garners bonus points. For fans of the first one, “Black Water: Abyss” is worth exploring.
“Black Water”: 4 stars
“Black Water: Abyss”: 3.5 stars