The Abyss

The best of Cameron’s work for me. Excellent direction, perfect atmosphere and a rather pleasant story, which is spoiled only by the stupid open conclusion, apparently made to order "to make it work". Otherwise, however, I consider this underwater variation on Close Encounters of the Third Kind to be one of the best adventure films made in Hollywood, to which the excellent Ed Harris in the role of the manly captain of the undersea station certainly contributes. To the aforementioned conclusion – in a special edition, it is extended and drawn into a very naïvely proclamational, but still better form. At least you'll know why these little transparent men do it all. (01/27/2004)

Is this really from 1989? I can't believe how attractive and appealing the visuals of the film are. I'd guess 2005, too bad 80s horror films weren't as high on the technical side as The Abyss. At first I thought it was going to be a space sci-fi flick, after all it is set in a nuclear submarine (which I'm not too fond of), but luckily the film was spiced up with an alien visitation as well as a lot of other fitting elements. For its running time, the film has a decent pace and doesn't get boring. The highlight for me is the emotional resuscitation and exploration of the ocean floor by Ed Harris. The only thing I see as a minus is that the thriller psychosis didn't develop into a more vigorous massacre. 80% (06/03/2015)

James Cameron always gets his way and when he sets his mind to something, everything just falls into place. From the filming system, the set construction, the casting, down to the tiniest decorations and details. He is a brilliant director and when it comes to potential, there is hardly any competition in Hollywood. The Abyss, above all, has an immense power in the ending and the duo of Ed Harris – Elizabeth Mastrantonio is so perfectly chosen that it's hard to believe. The presence of complex visual effects doesn't overwhelm, and everything is exactly as it should be. (10/28/2003)

Probably the weakest Cameron so far (not counting Piranha), but still something to watch. The Abyss has, above all, a great atmosphere, which becomes increasingly intense as the minutes pass and shapes the story into a very compelling and dark form. Cameron does another great job, Silvestri's music is also impressive and the rest is carried by the charismatic Harris with the help of the wonderful visuals. It has some weak spots and a somewhat tedious first half, but the precise direction and unforgettable ending leave no doubt that a true master of the craft was at work here. Good job. (01/02/2013)

When Cameron wants to do something, like shooting an entire film in a water tank, he just does it and the result is always perfect. Although this film wasn't nearly as big a hit as Terminator 2, I put it higher in James Cameron's filmography, and it’s further proof of his immense perfectionism – he just can't make a bad film. And since I've seen the director's cut, I have to say that the extended ending with a stunning (for its time) visual effects scene puts this film in a completely different light. (06/01/2002)