Deep Water Horizon was released in 2016, which is based on a real-life story of an oil drilling rig at the Gulf of Mexico that exploded and resulted in the worst oil spill in history in April 2010. This disaster-based American saga was directed by Peter Berg, who inspired by an article in The New York Times published the same year when the incident happened.
The movie showcases some renowned actors portraying real-life heroes on the oil rig. The cast include Mark Wahlberg, Kurt Russell, John Malkovich, Gina Rodriguez, Dylan O’Brien, and Kate Hudson. This solid cast performed incredibly well, and the movie was even nominated for the Academy Awards. The portrayal of the characters and the essence of the film is so natural that a former oilfield worker said, “I can attest that the movie is very true to life and reminds me a great deal of my time working out in the Gulf of Mexico”.
The disaster takes form when a drilling party is relocated. A negative pressure test checks the oil rig being drilled. This test shows whether the cement has adequately sealed the oil rig or not. During the first testing process, the workers didn’t get the desired result, but the second test booms, and the work on the rig proceeds further. All this goes efficiently until day one; the sealed area of the high-pressure reservoir goes off and leads to a massive blowout. The explosion cost 11 lives; fire raged and oil gushed out of control for 87 days.
Several real life heroes come forward amid the chaos for the rescue when all hell breaks loose at the rig. These scenes are the real gold of movie when the viewers feel an emotional attachment with the workers and rescuers on board.
Ultimately, the disaster goes out of hand and led to a significant oil spill in the Gulf of Mexico. As per estimation, about 210 million gallons of oil were spilled into the sea.
Hundreds of audiences don’t know much about the technical aspects about the rig, but the movie is dramatized in such a compelling way that the intensity of the disaster grabs the viewer. Although the first quarter of the movie is a little bit slow, but gradually it paces up when the disaster happens, the later part is untoudetly grippling keeps the suspense, thrill, and action. It also shows what goes with the families and loved ones of the workers at the rig.
The movie gives a lesson that the past helps us to learn from our mistakes and assists us to make accurate decisions to prevent major catastrophe happening in the future. It warns to double-check and inspects each and every technical aspects when the stakes are tough.
Also Read: DOCUMENTARY REVIEW: “BEFORE THE FLOOD”
Laiba is a Biochemist (MS) from Quaid-i-Azam University, Islamabad. Being a movie enthusiast, she’s been reviewing science-related movies and documentaries. She has been a part of our team since the founding days of Scientia.
