For those seeking a cinematic experience that combines real-life drama with emotional depth, Deepwater Horizon is a must-watch. The 2016 film, directed by Peter Berg, offers a harrowing and poignant portrayal of the catastrophic 2010 Deepwater Horizon explosion and resulting oil spill in the Gulf of Mexico.
The movie pays tribute to the 11 workers who were killed during the disaster. With an ensemble cast featuring Mark Wahlberg, Kate Hudson, Gina Rodriguez, Kurt Russell, John Malkovich, and Dylan O’Brien, Deepwater Horizon made its debut at the Toronto International Film Festival in 2016 before hitting cinemas in September of the same year.
Despite its hefty $110 million budget, the film failed to make waves at the box office, earning just under $122 million globally and falling short of profitability for its producers.
Nonetheless, it garnered critical acclaim, securing two Oscar nominations for Best Sound Editing and Best Visual Effects, as well as winning the BAFTA Award for Best Sound at the 70th British Academy Film Awards.
Reflecting on the most daunting aspect of the shoot during an interview on ABC News’ Good Morning America, former rapper Mark Wahlberg said: “What was really sketchy is when they lit me and Dylan O’Brien on fire. They lit us on fire, and I didn’t feel too comfortable with that.
“They put gel and stuff on you, but then, you know, they put some other fluid on you and then they light you on fire and then they walk away. And then the other guy goes and grabs his coffee and then he’s like, ‘Hold on a second. We ready to roll?’ And I’m like, ‘Dude, I’m on fire. Roll!’,” reports the Daily Record.
Based on a December 2010 New York Times article titled Deepwater Horizon’s Final Hours, by David Barstow, David Rohde, and Stephanie Saul, the film’s script was penned by power duo Matthew Michael Carnahan and Matthew Sand.
Mark added: “Everybody knew about the environmental disaster, and it was horrific. But what people failed to recognize, or at least what the media failed to acknowledge, I think to the point where it was deserved, was that 11 people lost their lives. That was overlooked and for me it was a big surprise.”
He added: “Once I read the script and I read the New York Times piece, I was just shocked. I realise obviously a lot of people were affected, jobs were lost, the fishing industry was completely destroyed, but 11 people lost their lives.
“Other people can find other jobs and other means, but those people aren’t coming back. And we wanted to acknowledge them and their memory and honour them in a way that we felt they deserved and it was long overdue.”
The film was a hit with audiences, with one saying: “Admittedly, the heroics are overblown, but there’s a devastating clarity in the way the script defines the causes of the disaster.” Another wrote: “Deepwater Horizon is that rare disaster blockbuster that is thrilling without sacrificing story or character.”
Another viewer said: “In short, Peter Berg has done it again. You come out shaken with excitement, but with a touch of shame, too, at being so easily thrilled.”
A fan wrote: “BLOCK BUSTER! I only do 5 stars for a very few films. Great story, awesome cast and acting. Gripping visually. Great pacing. This movie checks all of the boxes for an action flick.”
Another viewer expressed high regard for the film, saying: “One of the best disaster movies I’ve seen, apparently very close to the true events. Had me gripped right up to the emotional ‘silent’ conclusion. See it.”
And another wrote: “One of the few disaster movies I have watched more than once for the excellent acting and the reality of the events. The movie does a great job focusing on the men and women involved. We understand not only the enormity of the spill but the danger and mentality of the workers and officials.”
Deepwater Horizon is available to stream now on Netflix.