The 2017 thriller 12 Feet Deep (originally titled The Deep End) is an intense survival story that takes place in a confined, claustrophobic environment: a public swimming pool. Directed by Matt Eskandari and written by Michael Hultquist, the film explores the human will to survive in the face of extreme conditions and features a small but powerful cast that brings this harrowing tale to life. With a relatively simple premise and a focus on psychological tension rather than gore, 12 Feet Deep manages to deliver a nerve-wracking experience that keeps the audience at the edge of their seats. In this post, we will dive deep into the plot, characters, themes, and the overall execution of the film.
The Plot
12 Feet Deep follows two sisters, Bree (played by Alexandra Park) and Jonna (played by Tobin Bell’s daughter, Brianne Tju), who decide to spend a day at a public swimming pool to relax and unwind. However, what starts as a simple leisure trip quickly turns into a nightmare when the two find themselves trapped underwater in a locked pool.
The story begins with Bree and Jonna arriving at a large, seemingly deserted pool late in the evening. They are hoping for some private time to swim and bond. Little do they know, the pool is being locked for the night by the staff after hours. The girls are unaware of this when they enter the pool’s deep end, and as they are preparing to leave, the pool’s mechanical systems malfunction. This causes the pool’s trap door to shut, sealing them inside.
While the two initially panic and attempt to break free, they quickly realize that they are stuck in a situation that will require them to use their wits and strength to survive. The film then becomes a battle for their lives, as the sisters must navigate not only their physical limitations but also the psychological strain of being trapped. As the minutes tick by, the two women must find ways to manage their resources, work together, and escape the submerged nightmare that holds them captive.
The film’s minimalistic setting—being almost entirely contained within the pool’s boundaries—adds to the suffocating tension. The constant proximity to water and the threat of drowning creates a claustrophobic atmosphere that becomes even more intense as the story progresses. The girls’ desperation to escape heightens as they realize that if they don’t find a way out, they will run out of air and time.
The Cast and Performances
Despite the film’s setting being mostly confined to a pool, the success of 12 Feet Deep depends largely on the performances of the two main actresses, Alexandra Park and Brianne Tju. Their portrayals of Bree and Jonna are central to the emotional core of the film, and the audience is left rooting for them to escape their predicament.
Alexandra Park as Bree: Bree is a character who is initially presented as confident and somewhat carefree, the older sister trying to take care of her younger sibling, Jonna. Park’s performance brings out the emotional layers of Bree, capturing her transformation from a woman in control of her situation to one driven by fear, desperation, and the raw will to survive. Her character is relatable, and Park does a great job of conveying the internal turmoil Bree experiences as she struggles to keep hope alive while being trapped in a life-threatening scenario.
Brianne Tju as Jonna: Jonna, Bree’s younger sister, starts off as a more vulnerable and anxious character. However, as the story unfolds, Jonna’s character grows stronger and more determined to survive. Tju manages to portray a range of emotions throughout the film, from fear to frustration to moments of determination. Her chemistry with Park helps to deepen the emotional stakes of the story, as the sisters’ bond is tested by their circumstances.
Supporting Cast: While the majority of the film revolves around Bree and Jonna, the supporting cast includes a few brief appearances that help to further the narrative. The pool staff and the security guard played by Eric Goins are notable for adding an element of mystery and danger. Their actions, or lack thereof, play a significant role in the fate of the two sisters, and the tension created by their involvement adds to the growing desperation of the film’s protagonists.
Themes and Symbolism
At its core, 12 Feet Deep is a psychological thriller, but it also explores several important themes and uses its setting to enhance the sense of fear, isolation, and survival.
Survival: The main theme of the film is survival against all odds. Bree and Jonna’s ordeal is not only physical but also mental. Their will to survive is challenged as they face exhaustion, despair, and even betrayal. The sisters must navigate their differences and learn to trust each other, a message about resilience and unity in the face of overwhelming circumstances.
Isolation: The isolation felt by the sisters is one of the most potent elements of the film. The pool, with its deep, dark waters, becomes a metaphor for their feelings of helplessness and entrapment. It is a place where they are completely cut off from the outside world, making it feel like the weight of the entire world rests on their shoulders. The water itself becomes a constant threat—a reminder of the ever-present danger of drowning. Their physical isolation from others mirrors the emotional and psychological isolation they feel as they struggle to survive in an environment that offers no escape.
Fear and claustrophobia: 12 Feet Deep plays heavily on the fear of claustrophobia and the primal instinct of survival. The confined space of the pool serves as a reminder of how limited the sisters are in their movement and resources. With little room to maneuver and nowhere to escape, the fear of suffocating and drowning becomes a constant pressure. The movie builds tension by focusing on the characters’ fear, especially the feeling of being trapped in a space that offers no escape.
Sisterhood and Trust: Another crucial theme in the film is the relationship between Bree and Jonna. While their dynamic is initially one of dependence and older sisterly protection, the situation forces them to grow and adapt. They learn to trust each other completely, with their survival relying on cooperation. The tension between them at times highlights their differing personalities, but their eventual reconciliation underscores the importance of unity and familial bonds in overcoming adversity.
Cinematography and Direction
Director Matt Eskandari uses the pool setting to his advantage, crafting a tense atmosphere that heightens the audience’s sense of fear and helplessness. The visual style of the film is marked by its use of tight, confined shots that emphasize the sisters’ limited options. As the camera often stays with them in the pool, the viewer becomes immersed in their experience—feeling their claustrophobia, their anxiety, and the overwhelming nature of their situation.
The use of water throughout the film is especially noteworthy. Whether it’s the sense of weightlessness or the constant sound of water dripping or splashing, the film’s sound design reinforces the themes of drowning and suffocation. There are moments when the camera lingers on the water itself, further adding to the unsettling atmosphere. This is a key element in building the film’s tension—showing how the environment itself is both a beautiful and deadly force.
The Psychological Horror
While the film is labeled a thriller, it is also deeply psychological. The emotional journey that the two sisters undergo is just as harrowing as their physical one. Their mental states deteriorate as they are forced to confront not just the immediate danger of drowning but also their past, their relationship with each other, and their most primal fears. As their situation becomes increasingly dire, the film explores how fear can warp one’s mind, causing characters to make decisions that may lead to their own undoing. The slow unraveling of their psyche is a key aspect of the film’s effectiveness in creating tension and suspense.
Final Thoughts
12 Feet Deep may be a film that centers around a seemingly simple concept—two sisters trapped in a pool—but it is an exploration of human nature, survival, and psychological endurance. Its minimalist setting and tight focus on the relationship between the two protagonists make it an effective thriller. By keeping the action confined to a single location, the filmmakers are able to create an intense atmosphere that places the characters, and the audience, under extreme pressure.
The film doesn’t rely on cheap jump scares or excessive gore, but instead focuses on building suspense and tension, utilizing its premise to explore the themes of isolation, fear, survival, and trust. While it may not be a perfect film, 12 Feet Deep delivers a gripping experience that showcases the strength of its lead performances, its atmosphere, and its underlying emotional depth. It is a stark reminder of how vulnerable we are when stripped of everything except our will to survive. The question that lingers long after the credits roll is whether or not the sisters can truly escape—not just the pool, but the psychological grip of their experience.
