The Most-Watched Thriller On HBO Max Is Inspired By Terrifying Real Events: “I can’t believe it’s been 14 years”
Mary Beth McAndrews
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If you’re looking for a thriller grounded in real-world events, Max has got you covered with their #1 thriller, Deepwater Horizon. The 2016 film is based on the actual Deepwater Horizon explosion in the Gulf of Mexico, which happened almost exactly 14 years ago (the actual anniversary is April 20). This fictionalized portrayal of the disaster is a star-studded affair, featuring Mark Wahlberg, Kurt Russell, John Malkovich, and Kate Hudson.
In Deepwater Horizon,
On April 20, 2010, the Deepwater Horizon drilling rig explodes in the Gulf of Mexico, igniting a massive fireball that kills several crew members. Chief electronics technician Mike Williams (Mark Wahlberg) and his colleagues find themselves fighting for survival as the heat and the flames become stifling and overwhelming. Banding together, the co-workers must use their wits to make it out alive amid all the chaos.
The film was directed by Peter Berg, who cut his teeth on large-scale films such as Battleship and Lone Survivor. Plus, with work on series such as Friday Night Lights, Berg is accustomed to working on projects meant to exemplify heroism and the American spirit.
On April 20, 2010, the Deepwater Horizon drilling rig exploded in a fireball that was reportedly visible from over 40 miles away. The explosion led to the death of 11 people and the eventual sinking of the rig. When Deepwater Horizon sank, the oil well continued to gush onto the ocean floor, which led to the largest oil spill in history. It’s estimated that 210,000,000 gallons of oil gushed into the Gulf. It was a massive ecological disaster that showcased the dangers of manmade creations on nature.
Now, 14 years later, audiences are still fascinated with the event, as seen by the Max charts. Between the film’s star power, its focus on heroism, and its real-world inspiration, it’s the trifecta of getting someone to wander into your film.
See what viewers are saying about Deepwater Horizon below:
While a sad and difficult watch, it’s also an important one to understand the loss of human life in the name of corporate greed.
Have you watched this one yet? Are you thinking about checking it out on Max? Let us know on Twitter and Instagram @DreadCentral.
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