Dave Watkins dives into 1989’s remarkable wave of underwater science fiction and horror with a retrospective on three deep-sea thrillers: DeepStar Six, Leviathan, and James Cameron’s The Abyss. Exploring their shared themes of isolation, dangerous discoveries, and survival beneath the ocean’s surface, Dave compares the films’ stories, creature effects, production budgets, and distinctive approaches to underwater suspense. From the nostalgic monster-movie thrills of DeepStar Six to the body horror of Leviathan and the ambitious science fiction spectacle of The Abyss, he examines what makes each film memorable. Dave also discusses their home-video presentations, including the impressive 4K restoration of Leviathan, while revisiting a fascinating moment in genre-film history when Hollywood seemed determined to explore the horrors lurking beneath the waves.
Dave R. Watkins
Filmmaker, Writer, Director & Producer · North Georgia, USA
