Sanctum (2011)

An underwater cave diving team experiences a life-threatening crisis during an expedition to the unexplored and least accessible cave system in the world.

Director:

Alister Grierson

Writers:

John Garvin, Andrew Wight

Stars:

Rhys Wakefield, Allison Cratchley, Christopher James Baker

1 win & 1 nomination.

Cast

Complete credited cast:
Richard Roxburgh	...	Frank
Ioan Gruffudd	...	Carl
Rhys Wakefield	...	Josh
Alice Parkinson	...	Victoria
Dan Wyllie	...	Crazy George (as Daniel Wyllie)
Christopher James Baker	...	J.D. (as Christopher Baker)
Nicole Downs	...	Liz
Allison Cratchley	...	Judes
Cramer Cain	...	Luko
Andrew Hansen	...	Dex
John Garvin	...	Jim Sergeant
Sean Dennehy	...	Chopper Pilot
Nea Diap	...	Kastom Shaman

Storyline

The 3-D action-thriller Sanctum follows a team of underwater cave divers on a treacherous expedition to the largest, most beautiful and least accessible cave system on Earth. When a tropical storm forces them deep into the caverns, they must fight raging water, deadly terrain and creeping panic as they search for an unknown escape route to the sea. Master diver Frank McGuire has explored the South Pacific's Esa-ala Caves for months. But when his exit is cut off in a flash flood, Frank's team-including 17-year-old son Josh and financier Carl Hurley are forced to radically alter plans. With dwindling supplies, the crew must navigate an underwater labyrinth to make it out. Soon, they are confronted with the unavoidable question: Can they survive, or will they be trapped forever?

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Plot Keywords:

cave | underwater | underwater cave | cave diving | rebreather | 

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Taglines:

The only way out is down

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Genres:

Adventure | Drama | Thriller

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Motion Picture Rating (MPAA)

Rated R for language, some violence and disturbing images

Details

Official Sites:

Official site Official site [France]

Country:

USA Australia

Language:

English

Release Date:

4 February 2011 (USA)

Also Known As:

James Cameron's Sanctum

Filming Locations:

Mount Gambier, South Australia, Australia

Box Office

Budget:

$30,000,000 (estimated)

Opening Weekend USA:

$9,447,930, 6 February 2011, Wide Release

Gross USA:

$23,070,045, 27 February 2011

Cumulative Worldwide Gross:

$108,943,221, 19 October 2011

Company Credits

Production Co:

Universal Pictures,Relativity Media,Wayfare Entertainment

Technical Specs

Runtime:

108 min

Sound Mix:

Dolby Digital DTS SDDS

Color:

Color

Aspect Ratio:

1.85 : 1

Did You Know?

Trivia

Director Alister Grierson and cinematographer Jules O'Loughlin had no experience with 3D prior to working on this film. Thus, they had learn how to light the scenes, use the stereoscopic space and manipulate the cameras from scratch.

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Goofs

When Victoria lands, gets off the seaplane and walks to the helicopter she is wearing blue jeans and a white pull-over top that has 2-3 buttons at the top like a regular shirt, it has button flaps on the arms for rolling up the sleeves and she has a white bra on underneath. They all get into the helicopter and it appears to take off immediately, but the very next shot of her shows her top has changed to a full button-down shirt, left unbuttoned with a white halter top underneath and a white bra. She could not have changed all those tops with the helicopters seatbelt/shoulder harness on.

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Quotes

[first lines]
Carl: Josh? Wow, your old man let you come up for air?
Josh: Oh you're kidding, right?
Carl: Oh you're gonna be in the shit.
[big hug]

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Alternate Versions

Also released in a 3D version.

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Connections

References Star Wars: Episode IV - A New Hope (1977)

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Soundtracks

RABAUL TAUN
Written by Junior Kokoratts, Alfred Darby, Tibon Lakua, Wilson Takovong
Performed by Junior Kokoratts
Published by PNG Legend
Licensed courtesy of CHM Supersound

User Reviews

Don't Panic

After reading many negative reviews here, I thought I would add my spin on the movie. I loved it..

The scenery is great, you believe as though you could be there trapped, a long way underground and hoping you can hold your breath..

Yes as others say, at the start you may not like any of the characters, but this develops pretty well along the way.By the end you are caring about who gets out alive/dies and watch a father/son relationship develop.

Rhys Wakefield is particularly great in this flick. Having moved well on since his home and away days to an established Australian film Actor.

A great afternoon spent.