Triangle

Chris Smith, the British director behind "Creep" and "Severance" is back to his old terrifying tricks again with high seas horror, "Triangle". His latest film focuses on a woman who takes a trip on a sailing boat with a group of friends that turns into a recurring murderous nightmare.



Australian actress and former "Home & Away" star Melissa George plays Jess, a volatile mother of a disabled child who is invited on a sailing trip by her friend Greg (Michael Dorman). Jess arrives looking dazed and confused, but joins the rest of Greg's friends as they take to the sea in his boat for an afternoon of small talk and champagne.



When a storm capsizes the boat, killing one of the party, the group are forced to board an old, seemingly abandoned ship. Ah yes, but you've guessed it - the ship isn't abandoned. And as the truth of Jess's situation begins to unravel, she finds herself at the centre of a disturbing and bloody recurring nightmare, akin to a horror version of "Groundhog Day". Any more detail on the plot, however, would simply spoil the fun.



Let's begin with the good news: Melissa George is terrific in this film. For a character that is tasked with holding the film together, George gets the balance between engaging and entertaining just right. She is believable as an overworked, angry mother and turns in a sterling physical performance in the high-octane scenes on the ship. However, with such emphasis on one character, the supporting cast is likely to suffer and, unfortunately, the words 'instantly forgettable' are perfectly suited to Dorman and co in this case.



Also, though an entertaining concept, the central premise of the film is neither particularly original nor one without its flaws. Yet, Smith deserves credit for attempting to grip the audience rather than gross them out. "Triangle" is a thoroughly watchable film - an enjoyable ride, but one that does not hold up to any sustained scrutiny.