Despite the somewhat weak rating, I must say I enjoyed many aspects of Nine Miles Down. The movie shares similarities with several films we've enjoyed, others not so much but it has a cool premise and some interesting ideas are explored.
The story follows Jackman (Adrian Paul), a security expert investigating the disappearance of a crew of scientists and drillers in a remote station located in the desert. Initially and for most of the film, the viewers follow the story from the perspective of this character. A second character is quickly introduced. It is that of Jennie Christianson (Kate Nauta), the only person left on the site who claims to be part of the scientific team.
The direction and writing aim at a somewhat claustrophobic, intimate journey for these characters and this is both where the movie shines and fails. The story is interesting but the direction lacks some punch.
But the most important thing for such a film to succeed will be the acting. The whole movie depends entirely on the performances of the two leads as the whole dramatic impact of the film is related to their relationship and their changing state of mind. And this where the film goes... nine miles down. Adrian Paul is slightly subpar in what would be a challenging role for even the finest of actors. Kate Nauta has a very important part but much easier to play. Unfortunately, I think she gives one of the worse performance I have witnessed. Quite simply, her delivery for most of the film is on par with a porno actress. She's literally "speaking" her lines as if doing a (bad) first reading.
It is very unfortunate that Nauta has not improved because she has an atypical look and style but at this rate she would be better off in secondary parts where she has few or no lines. Her body language is OK, it's the line delivery that is not there at all.
Another aspect that disappoints is the scares. I am OK with a thriller or horror movie without jump-out-of-your-seat moments. My problem is more with movies that TRY to make you jump and fail lamentably. Sadly, Nine Miles Down is in this category. A few scenes seem designed to shock you or scare you but they never do. The quality aspects are the display of the characters' mindsets (particularly Jackman). We, the viewers are constantly challenged to determine whether what we are witnessing is real, an illusion or something worse.
The script inserts cool little references and hints here and there that will keep you on your toe and might even make you want to give this a second viewing. It's just unfortunate that the direction and acting wasn't up to the task.
Could have been a 6 with better direction. Should have been a 5 with decent acting. But sadly, Kate Nauta drags this down to a 4. (she's more tolerable in the second half of the movie if you make it there).
Solid idea, shame the execution was botched a little.
The story follows Jackman (Adrian Paul), a security expert investigating the disappearance of a crew of scientists and drillers in a remote station located in the desert. Initially and for most of the film, the viewers follow the story from the perspective of this character. A second character is quickly introduced. It is that of Jennie Christianson (Kate Nauta), the only person left on the site who claims to be part of the scientific team.
The direction and writing aim at a somewhat claustrophobic, intimate journey for these characters and this is both where the movie shines and fails. The story is interesting but the direction lacks some punch.
But the most important thing for such a film to succeed will be the acting. The whole movie depends entirely on the performances of the two leads as the whole dramatic impact of the film is related to their relationship and their changing state of mind. And this where the film goes... nine miles down. Adrian Paul is slightly subpar in what would be a challenging role for even the finest of actors. Kate Nauta has a very important part but much easier to play. Unfortunately, I think she gives one of the worse performance I have witnessed. Quite simply, her delivery for most of the film is on par with a porno actress. She's literally "speaking" her lines as if doing a (bad) first reading.
It is very unfortunate that Nauta has not improved because she has an atypical look and style but at this rate she would be better off in secondary parts where she has few or no lines. Her body language is OK, it's the line delivery that is not there at all.
Another aspect that disappoints is the scares. I am OK with a thriller or horror movie without jump-out-of-your-seat moments. My problem is more with movies that TRY to make you jump and fail lamentably. Sadly, Nine Miles Down is in this category. A few scenes seem designed to shock you or scare you but they never do. The quality aspects are the display of the characters' mindsets (particularly Jackman). We, the viewers are constantly challenged to determine whether what we are witnessing is real, an illusion or something worse.
The script inserts cool little references and hints here and there that will keep you on your toe and might even make you want to give this a second viewing. It's just unfortunate that the direction and acting wasn't up to the task.
Could have been a 6 with better direction. Should have been a 5 with decent acting. But sadly, Kate Nauta drags this down to a 4. (she's more tolerable in the second half of the movie if you make it there).
Solid idea, shame the execution was botched a little.