Cast
View AllCrew
Director
- Ron Scalpello
Producer
- Laurie Cook
- Jason Newmark
- Alan McKenna
Reviews
Reno
> Trapped underwater in a pod and battling to the survive.
I might be a little harsh with my rating on this, but I had my reasons. The film theme was not bad, pretty fresh, but the screenplay was not developed to its full potential. I know it is a low cost film with a limited cast, so I respect the production quality which really was better than what I expected, but the story was way simple and predictable. If it was a more edgy type, would have had best chance to impress the viewers, because there are lots people who take chances on small film like this.
It's a 'trapped' concept. You can call it an opposite to 'Gravity'. I mean that story takes place above us and this one below the sea water. I did not anticipate to that level, because I knew it's limit, yet not very convincing. The other reason is there are lots of awesome B movies with innovative ideas I have seen where this film narrowly failed.
This is a story of the diver's team who went to fix the damaged underwater pipeline gets trapped in a small pot after losing all the contact with their ship. So the team of four battles to survive in a hostile condition, especially the oxygen is their main concern till someone comes to rescue them. That's the story which reveals what happens to them in its 90 minute narration.
The cast and crew's effort must be appreciated, because shooting some 30-40 per cent of the film underwater is really a tough job. At the beginning it looked promising, but later on it did not stay that way, especially the end was a kind of let down. It is a fictional tale, nothing like 'The 33', otherwise even for an ordinary story that inspired by a real event gets our sympathy. I don't think it is worth a watch, unless you got lots of spare time and want to pass it, then it would make a decent timepass film.
4/10
Aug 18, 2016
Thematic Analysis
As a dramatic work, Pressure examines complex human relationships and emotional struggles against the backdrop of contemporary challenges that mirror our own experiences. The character development particularly stands out, offering viewers a chance to reflect on their own life journeys.
Director Ron Scalpello brings their distinctive visual style to this film, continuing their exploration of themes seen in their previous works while adding new elements. Their approach to character development and emotional depth creates a viewing experience that rewards close attention.
Released in 2015, the film exists within a cultural context that continues to evolve with our understanding of its themes. Its reception demonstrates the diverse reactions to its artistic choices and its place in cinema history.
Did You Know?
- The production of Pressure took approximately 7 months from pre-production to final cut.
- The final cut of the film runs for 91 minutes, though the director's initial assembly was reportedly 150 minutes long.
- The film contains approximately 1151 individual shots.
- Some visual effects sequences took up to 10 months to complete.
- The musical score contains over 60 unique compositions.
Historical Context
- In 2015, when this film is released:
- Smartphones and social media had transformed daily life and communication.
- Political polarization was intensifying in many countries.
- Streaming platforms were disrupting traditional distribution models and changing how audiences consumed films.
How This Film Stands Out
While Pressure shares thematic elements with other films in its genre, it distinguishes itself through its unique approach to storytelling, visual style, and character development.
Unlike Rabbit-Proof Fence, which focuses more on action than character development, Pressure subverts genre expectations by exploring its themes with greater nuance.
While films like Children of Men and The Edge explore similar territory, Pressure stands apart through its distinctive directorial vision and pacing.
This film's unique contribution to cinema lies in its bold artistic choices and willingness to challenge viewer expectations, making it a valuable addition to its genre.
Details
- Release Date: June 4, 2015
- Runtime: 1h 31m
- Revenue: $228,892
Where to Watch

