Dead Calm

Though not always entirely credible, Dead Calm is a nail-biting suspense pic [from the novel by Charles Williams] handsomely produced and inventively directed.

A classic piece of pared-down genre film-making is lent extra depth by an emotional subtext stressing Kidman's transition from dependent wife to resourceful individual.

"Dead Calm" ... becomes disturbing for all the wrong reasons.

For much of the movie, you're enthralled. By the end, you're laughing. This is not good.

[Noyce is] a masterful manipulator, but eventually there is no more wind in these sails, not even enough to riffle a jib, as the story and Rae's character wear thin.

This is not a gimmick film ... and Kidman and Zane do generate real, palpable hatred in their scenes together.

It is a tightly wound and wonderfully suspenseful work, making use of an extremely limited cast and cleverly exploiting its setting to maximum effect.

Dead Calm is not particularly original, but it is well made. [Full review in Spanish]

The best kind of shabby little shocker.

A remarkable breakout for Nicole Kidman, who gives this feminist thriller everything it deserves, and more.