12 Feet Deep
12 Feet Deep is a 2017 American mystery thriller film inspired by true events, directed by Matt Eskandari and written by Eskandari and Michael Hultquist.[1] The film stars Alexandra Park as Jonna and Nora-Jane Noone as Bree, two estranged sisters who become trapped under the fiberglass cover of an Olympic-sized public swimming pool after closing time, forcing them to confront their past while fighting for survival against the rising water and an opportunistic night janitor.[1][2] Supporting roles include Diane Farr as the janitor Clara and Tobin Bell as the pool manager McGradey.[1] Produced by Citizen Skull Productions and distributed directly to video by MarVista Entertainment, the film runs for 85 minutes and explores themes of family tension and resilience in a confined, high-stakes setting.[2][3] Filmed in Los Angeles, California, 12 Feet Deep was released on video-on-demand and digital platforms in the United States on June 20, 2017.[3] It later received a limited theatrical release in South Korea on November 8, 2018, grossing $6,158 at the box office.[3] Upon release, 12 Feet Deep received mixed to positive audience feedback, earning an 86% approval rating from over 100 users on Rotten Tomatoes, who praised its tense atmosphere and strong performances despite a modest budget.[2] On IMDb, it holds a 5.2 out of 10 rating from more than 18,000 users, with viewers noting its engaging premise but critiquing some plot conveniences.[1]Plot and cast
Plot
12 Feet Deep follows two estranged sisters, Bree and Jonna, who decide to spend time together at a public swimming pool. After the facility closes for the night, an unfortunate mishap leaves them trapped beneath the heavy fiberglass cover, submerged in the Olympic-sized pool with no immediate way to escape.[1] This dire situation forces the sisters to rely on their wits and each other as they battle the encroaching cold of the water, potential injuries from their struggle, and the gradual onset of hypothermia. The night janitor, Clara, discovers their predicament and exploits it, adding further danger to their survival efforts.[2][4][5] The narrative unfolds in real time over the course of a single harrowing night, heightening the tension through the sisters' desperate survival efforts. The chilling temperature of the pool water and repeated attempts to signal for help from above underscore the physical perils they face, while their isolation amplifies the emotional strain.[6] Jonna, portrayed as the more rebellious and impulsive of the two, clashes with Bree's differing approach, revealing layers of unresolved sibling rivalry rooted in their shared family history.[4] As the hours pass, the plot delves into the psychological toll of their predicament, with past traumas surfacing amid the growing desperation. The confined underwater setting intensifies the sisters' interactions, building a narrative centered on confrontation, reconciliation attempts, and the raw dynamics of familial bonds under extreme duress.[2]Cast
The principal cast of 12 Feet Deep features Alexandra Park as Jonna, the younger sister struggling with recovery from addiction and displaying impulsive tendencies, and Nora-Jane Noone as Bree, the older, more responsible sister who is recently engaged.[7][8][9] The sisters' contrasting personalities fuel the central tension as they confront their predicament together. Supporting roles include Tobin Bell as McGradey, the pool manager, and Diane Farr as Clara, the night janitor who discovers the sisters and escalates the danger.[7][10][5]| Actor | Role | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Alexandra Park | Jonna | Younger sister, recovering addict |
| Nora-Jane Noone | Bree | Older sister, engaged and responsible |
| Tobin Bell | McGradey | Pool manager |
| Diane Farr | Clara | Night janitor, antagonistic figure |