Although Kristen Stewart’s 2020 film Underwater struggled at the box office, grossing only $40 million, it ultimately redeemed itself thanks to a brilliantly executed final twist. At first glance, the movie’s science fiction horror theme appears reminiscent of iconic films like the Alien franchise, featuring claustrophobic settings and resilient characters. While the plot—featuring a team of workers at a drilling facility besieged by monsters—may not be groundbreaking, its presentation in 2020 distinguished it from typical genre offerings.
Despite its lackluster opening, Underwater has since gained recognition as one of 2020’s most underrated horror films. This resurgence can be attributed in part to the subsequent success of its cast, including Kristen Stewart, who drew new viewers eager to explore their work. However, the key factor contributing to its newfound popularity is undoubtedly the film’s elaborate ending twist, which introduced a legendary creature with a rich history and an extensive fanbase dating back to the late 1920s.
How Underwater‘s Cthulhu Twist Elevated the Film
The Risk of Being an Alien Imitator
The film’s conclusion features the iconic monster from H. P.Lovecraft’s universe, significantly enhancing the movie’s appeal and lifting it beyond a mediocre premise. The narrative parallels that of Alien, where a group is trapped in perilous conditions, hunted by mysterious creatures. However, Underwater cleverly transposes this tension from outer space to the depths of the Mariana Trench. By introducing the Lovecraftian deity Cthulhu, the film redefined its storyline, refreshing a familiar concept with a unique twist.
While H. P.Lovecraft’s works tackle complex themes and controversial elements, they remain enduring staples in the horror genre because of their atmospheric storytelling and captivating creatures. By incorporating Cthulhu, Underwater not only capitalized on this legacy but also distinguished itself in a genre often saturated with cliché narratives. Despite its initial lukewarm reception upon release, it took three years for Underwater to achieve the status of a cult classic it has today.
Why Didn’t Underwater Achieve Greater Popularity?
The Impact of a January Premiere
The January 2020 release date created significant headwinds for Underwater, yet the reveal of Cthulhu later contributed to its growing popularity. Traditionally, January is a challenging month for new film releases across all genres, and Underwater was no exception. Critics were quick to highlight the film’s failure to innovate within the genre, citing on Rotten Tomatoes how the characters and stylistic choices did little to elevate the overall narrative.
Ultimately, Cthulhu’s inclusion saved the film from obscurity.
With the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic and the film’s transition to streaming platforms, public perception began to shift. Viewers who had missed the theatrical release embraced the film’s suspenseful atmosphere and strong cinematography. The presence of the Lovecraftian monster allowed Underwater to evolve into a 2020 sleeper hit that continues to gain traction among horror fans.
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