Open Water 3: Cage Dive 2017

The film opens with a foreboding warning: “In 2015, an Underwater camera was found at the bottom of the ocean. We would like to warn viewers that the footage on the camera contains graphic material.” This statement sets the stage for a gripping Found-Footage Documentary. A news segment highlights a tragic incident involving a Cage Diving company whose boat capsized due to a monstrous wave, leaving several individuals missing, including three friends who had embarked on this ill-fated adventure together.

One week later, a shattered underwater camera is discovered, revealing that the SD card remains intact. An interview with the diver who uncovered the camera explains his decision to upload some footage to social media, hoping to notify the owners about their lost equipment. As the film unfolds, we delve deep into the story of the three missing friends.

In Laguna Beach, California, we meet brothers Josh and Jeff, along with Jeff’s girlfriend, Megan, as they prepare to audition for a reality game show with a grand prize of $100,000. Their audition tape requires evidence of both physical and mental strength, so they opt for a Cage Diving experience as the perfect backdrop for their submission. Jeff purchases an underwater camera, although his attempts to capture playful moments—like filming Megan in the shower—are thwarted when the battery dies.

Once charged, Jeff begins recording their audition tape, including their introductions and casual activities. He also captures glimpses of his life, which includes taking medications. Despite initially hesitating to document every detail, he eventually immerses himself in the camera experience, recording excursions and even attempting to film intimate moments with Megan. However, she repeatedly shuts off the camera, indicating her agitation.

Three days prior to their scheduled dive, the trio travels to Sydney, Australia, to reconnect with their cousin, Greg. They bond during their time on the beach and ocean, relishing a family reunion after years apart. Greg celebrates their impending adventure with a send-off party, during which Jeff records a confession to propose to Megan on the show. However, unbeknownst to him, Megan sneaks into the room, and in an unexpected twist, shares a passionate moment with Josh, revealing their hidden affair.

A day before the cage dive, the group departs for Adelaide, home to the highly anticipated Shark Cage Dive Tour. After settling into their hotel, they enjoy a swim before preparing for their adventure. Tension rises when Jeff discovers that the camera recorded the incriminating moment between Josh and Megan, but Josh cleverly distracts him just in time.

The following day, the trio heads to the tour docks. After safety briefings, they embark on a boat that sets sail into shark-infested waters. During a presentation about how to survive a shark attack, Megan seems unfazed despite the gravity of the situation, believing the sturdy cage will keep them safe. As they dive, they come face to face with the majestic Great Whites circling beneath.

Just as they begin to surface from their underwater adventure, disaster strikes—a massive wave capsizes the boat, throwing everyone into the ocean. Josh, Jeff, and Megan manage to escape the cage and resurface, only to witness chaos as the waters become a feeding frenzy for the sharks. Amid the panic, they encounter a woman who is desperately holding onto an injured man. Tragically, the blood attracts the sharks, leading to their grisly demise.

Now alone, the trio swims desperately in search of safety. Although they spot another survivor, their hope quickly diminishes as that person’s struggle also ends in a fatal attack. As they cling to life, Megan realizes she has sustained a cut on her leg. Josh makes a risky move towards a nearby yacht, but Megan insists they stay united. Their situation becomes increasingly dire as they hear a helicopter overhead, but Megan’s instincts lead her to suspect something lurks beneath their feet.

In a frantic moment, they manage to throw bait to distract the approaching sharks, yet their efforts only buy them time. As night descends, they discover a life raft filled with crucial supplies. Megan bravely fires a flare in hopes of signaling for help, but when they unknowingly bump into another survivor, the situation turns horrific. In a desperate attempt to provide warmth, a flare is fired inside the raft, resulting in catastrophic consequences and leaving them stranded yet again.

Tensions boil over between Josh and Megan, leading to explosive revelations about their deceit. However, their argument is cut short when a shark returns, pulling Megan into the depths, leaving Josh and Jeff in shock. As dawn arrives, Josh and Jeff are embroiled in a bitter exchange over the events that transpired, ultimately leading to Jeff passing out due to neglecting his medication.

The footage soon shifts to Josh alone, delivering a heart-wrenching confession filled with remorse and goodbyes. While trying to catch the attention of a hovering helicopter, their hopes are futile as a shark engulfs Josh, marking a tragic end to their harrowing journey, leaving the camera to crush beneath the waves.