Sometimes you don’t know what you're expecting from a movie until it surprises you by mixing genres like it couldn’t care less what anyone thinks. The Secret Abyss does just that: it starts out feeling like a military action flick, dives headfirst into fantasy, flirts with horror, and ends up telling a surprisingly believable and even touching love story. It's a bit crazy—yes—but somehow, it works.
The relationship between Miles Teller and Anya Taylor-Joy’s characters is one of the pillars holding everything together. Not only is there real chemistry between them, but you also genuinely believe their connection—even when they’re surrounded by nightmarish creatures and non-stop gunfire. Some moments come close to being ridiculous, sure, but they never cross the line. Instead, the film leans into dark humor, sharp dialogue, and an unexpected touch of tenderness to balance everything out.
Visually, it’s powerful. Scott Derrickson knows how to create atmosphere, and it shows—from the eerie gorge at the film’s center to the video game-style shootouts, everything has a distinctive energy. Some might feel it drags a little near the end, and sure, the script could’ve used a bit more polish. But rather than take itself too seriously, The Secret Abyss chooses to be, above all, entertaining.
And it pulls it off. It comes out on top of its unlikely genre mashup and leaves you with a final line that, whether absurd or symbolic, sticks with you: “For me, the rabbit pie.” Exactly.
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