Scoot McNairy is a terrifically spineless, whining mouthpiece for the adventurer who financed the journey, and Ben Mendelsohn is a terrifying underwater psycho. The whole thing adds up to a watery grave of claustrophobia-but that can be pretty terrifying
Macdonald has torpedoes of conflict firing in every direction. There is cultural mistrust (Brits vs. Russians), class war (corporate weasels vs. honest workingmen), plus man v. man, man v. nature and man v. his own nature, particularly greed
Kevin Macdonald makes the most of the claustrophobic setting, the powder-keg atmosphere and the swift, deadly action sequences. Law isn't bad, but ultimately, in a situation like this, he's just too decent
'Black Sea' runs a few fathoms short of classic status. But its blend of old-fashioned storytelling values and zeitgeisty relevance make it a worthy addition to sub-aquatic cinema's nerve-juddering legacy
by Rex Reed [New York Observer ]
by Kyle Smith [New York Post ]
by Peter Travers [Rolling Stone ]
by Graham Fuller [NY Daily News ]
by Trevor Johnston [Time Out London ]
