Deepwater Horizon: Extremely High on Action and Drama

Cast: Mark Wahlberg, Kurt Russell, John Malkovich, Kate Hudson and Gina Rodriguez

Rating: 3.5/5

Few years back on April 20, 2010, America saw one of the largest and the worst tragedies in its history. Based on the same “oil spill” incident is "Deepwater Horizon" an action film focusing on the explosion of the oil rig set up on the coast of Louisiana in the Gulf of Mexico.

The blow-off was a man-made disaster which took away the lives of 11 workers and poured a massive quantity of oil at sea alarming an environmental risk.

The film opens with stunning visuals of "Deepwater Horizon" where the employees of Transocean - Michael 'Mike' Williams (Mark Wahlberg) and his Superior Jimmy Harrell (Kurt Russell) – set of on their duty of operating the rig. Upon reaching the rig, they immediately sense some suspicious moves. 

Tension, talks and arguments begin between Jimmy and British Petroleum liaison officer - Donald Vidrine (John Malkovich) about the plan to build a concrete foundation, workers and certain tests. What follows is a series of discussions packed with technicalities, eventually leading the climax the world is aware of.

The film initially is packed with energy with anxiety that builds up with time and genuinely leads us to a powerful and a predictable climax. The scenes when the explosion takes place, is executed very well, so much so that the audience is hooked to the seats and the screen without blinking. But the moment is short lived. Soon after the action, the plot is lost. Not much has been offered post the event, and that could probably be the only let down in the movie.

Director Peter Berg who is known for films with phenomenal plots, presents Deepwater Horizon with the right balance of emotion and destruction. The screenwriters Matthew Michael Carnahan and Matthew Sand have also ensured that questions about the science and functionality of a rig are explained briefly and adequately for better understanding of the film. To be honest, the awareness makes the climax interesting enough to watch.

The passion of all the actors in the film is commendable. Mark Wahlberg as Mike fits the role perfectly, as a father, husband and the ‘action hero’. Kurt Russel as his superior certainly makes a mark, especially after the blast. John Malkovich as the ‘bad-man’ Donald Vidrie, Gina Rodriguez as Andrea - the only woman on the Transocean team and Kate Hudson as Mike's distressed wife deliver their roles with at most sincerity. The last few scenes where the core team helps each other get out of the rig is highly emotional and the performances delivered then are bound to raise your heart beats.

Thankfully, the makers have incorporated practicality and a detailed attention to every element of the film – be it the sea, birds, fire etc. There are scenes which exceptionally capture the enthralling structure of the rig, deep down the sea. The VFX in the film is outstanding and very realistic. The background score is well-designed keeping the emotions and the subjects in mind.

Overall, Berg’s latest release is a respectful film which attempts to recreate the moment from the unforgettable tragedy in the American history. Every component of the film is well knitted and well executed, making it a ‘high-intensity’ drama. Deepwater Horizon is highly recommended.