2016 disaster movieDeepwater Horizonis thrilling audiences on Freevee, eight years after becoming a box office bomb on its original release. Directed by Peter Berg, the action disaster movie has plenty of star power, withMark WahlbergandKurt Russellleading a strong cast in a movie about the Deepwater Horzion drilling rig tragedy, which became one of the worst environmental disasters in U.S. history in 2010.Since landing on Freevee, the film has been discovered by a whole new audience, as it charts high on the free streaming platform’s chart.
Deepwater Horizonrecounts the events that transpired on July 09, 2025, when a blowout occurred on the offshore drilling rig, triggering a massive explosion.Wahlberg and Russell play rig electrician Mike Williams and supervisor Jimmy Harrell, respectively, as they attempt to contain the crisis and prevent disaster.However, as things escalate, so does the tension as BP executive Donald Vidrine (John Malkovich) demands that drilling continues despite the impending danger.
The movie did not perform incredibly well at the box office, andbarely made back its $110 million budget, but it did leave a strong impression on many critics and those who did turn out to see the film in cinemas. Having recreated the intense feeling of entrapment that was experienced by those caught up in the explosion and its aftermath, the film did what it needed to for the majority of reviewers, and it seems to be continuing toprovide a harrowing watchfor those rediscovering it on Freevee.
Deepwater Horizon’s Reviews Were Impressive
Deepwater Horizonproved to be a critical hit,landing an 82% Tomatometer score on Rotten Tomatoes, and also gained the same score from audiences. As one of those rare occasions when both scores are in agreement, the film’s combination of action sequences and emotional storyline, as well as the respect shown towards the event it was chronicling, proved to be a winning formula. Rolling Stones’ Peter Travers summed up the feelings of many critics, writing:
“The film depicts the worst oil spill in American history and director Peter Berg recreates the cataclysm of that day with unbearable tension and healing compassion.”
Audiences shared similar praise for the movie’s sensitivity on the subject, while also appreciating the thrilling action that it delivered. One review from Nicolas D states:
“Deepwater Horizon is an exceptional movie that brilliantly captures the harrowing events surrounding the oil rig disaster. With gripping storytelling, intense visuals, and outstanding performances, the film immerses viewers into the chaos and heroism of that fateful day.”
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Like any film based around real events,Deepwater Horizonis a movie that remains relevant at any time. That has in part allowed it to become a streaming hit on Freevee now, andsees it continuing to remind the world of what happens when corporate oversights lead to catastrophic consequences.With incredible central performances by Wahlberg and Russell, you can addDeepwater Horizonto your watch list on Freevee now.
Deepwater Horizon
