Deep Water

PG

Released Aug 24, 2007

1h 33m

Documentary

List

96%

55 Reviews

Tomatometer

87%

2,500+ Ratings

Audience Score

In 1968, Donald Crowhurst, an inexperienced British sailor, puts up his home as collateral, gains financial backing and enters the Golden Globe, the first nonstop boat race around the world. Under dire financial pressure, Crowhurst decides to set sail before his boat is fully built, leaving it unprepared for the stresses of the open ocean. Crowhurst is under-prepared himself, and his decision to embark before he and his vessel are ready sets a deadly chain of events into motion.

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Critics Consensus

Equal parts mystery and biography, Deep Water is both an engrossing documentary and an affecting treatise on human folly and obsession.

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Kyle M

Flows similarly in the veins of "Touching the Void" with eventual thickening engagement once the factually rejuvenated story unfolds towards its mystical circumstances that solely compelled this form. (B+)

Rated 4 out of 5 stars

03/22/24

Full Review

Audience Member

You wince watching this as you quickly realise this all going to go horribly wrong. Not overly dramatic but interesting to pass the time.

Rated 3.5 out of 5 stars

01/28/23

Full Review

Audience Member

The perfect accompaniment to James Marsh's film 'The Mercy'. Watch 'The Mercy' first. To complete the experience I recommend you also read 'The Strange Last Voyage of Donald Crowhurst', by Nicholas Tomalin.

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

02/07/23

Full Review

Audience Member

It's an amazing documentary about the life of Bernard Crowhurst, namely his attempt to sail around the world in a race. It has extremely high production value and the mixture of old footage, newer interviews and someone reading aloud his journal entries from race time. Attempting to sail around takes big b*lls, and hence I think he must be respected for that. This is such a good intriguing watch that's entertaining from beginning to end.

Rated 4.5 out of 5 stars

01/15/23

Full Review

Audience Member

My favourite documentary and one of my all-time favourite films. Story is incredible and told brilliantly, and now I can't wait for The Mercy.

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

02/18/23

Full Review

dave d

'Deep Water' tells the tale of an around the world boat race and in particular the curious journey of Donald Crowhurst. This documentary has an edge and the ability to keep you captivated. I had no idea how this story unfolded back in 1968 and I can't imagine many do. The footage that was taken is spellbinding considering the task that was at hand. The gripping tale had a feature film feel. This is one that should stay with you for a while. Final Score 8.9/10

Rated 4.5 out of 5 stars

03/31/23

Full Review

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Louise Osmond

Director

Jerry Rothwell

Director

Tilda Swinton

Narrator

Louise Osmond

Writer

Jerry Rothwell

Writer

Nina Kellgren

Cinematographer

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Joshua Rothkopf

Time Out

Rated: 5/6

Jan 18, 2008

Full Review

Jason Anderson

Globe and Mail

The details just get stranger and stranger.

Rated: 3/4

Jan 4, 2008

Full Review

Desson Thomson

Washington Post

As directed by Louise Osmond and Jerry Rothwell, the movie breezes along at a highly watchable clip, thanks to fluid, affecting intercutting of archival, black-and-white footage and present-day interviews.

Nov 3, 2007

Full Review

Blake French

Filmcritic.com

engaging

Rated: 3.5/5

Aug 2, 2009

Full Review

Austin Kennedy

Sin Magazine

I do think the movie loses focus at times, but nevertheless, this is a pretty interesting story into madness.

Rated: 3/4

Aug 22, 2008

Full Review

Jim Lane

Sacramento News & Review

Rated: 4/5

Aug 7, 2008

Full Review

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Synopsis

In 1968, Donald Crowhurst, an inexperienced British sailor, puts up his home as collateral, gains financial backing and enters the Golden Globe, the first nonstop boat race around the world. Under dire financial pressure, Crowhurst decides to set sail before his boat is fully built, leaving it unprepared for the stresses of the open ocean. Crowhurst is under-prepared himself, and his decision to embark before he and his vessel are ready sets a deadly chain of events into motion.

Director: Louise Osmond, Jerry Rothwell
Screenwriter: Louise Osmond, Jerry Rothwell
Distributor: IFC Films
Rating: PG (Incidental Smoking|Thematic Elements|Mild Language)
Genre: Documentary
Original Language: English
Release Date (Theaters): Aug 24, 2007, Limited
Release Date (Streaming): Apr 4, 2017
Box Office (Gross USA): $270.5K
Runtime: 1h 33m
Sound Mix: Dolby Digital

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