If you’re a fan of deep-sea adventure movies, you may have come across the 2017 film “47 Meters Down”. The film follows two sisters who go on a shark cage diving expedition in Mexico, only to find themselves stranded at the bottom of the ocean when the cable holding their cage breaks. As they struggle to survive with limited oxygen and surrounded by hungry sharks, viewers are left on the edge of their seats wondering if the film is based on a true story. In this article, we’ll dive into the truth behind “is 47 Meters Down a true story” and explore whether or not the film is based on a true story.
Is 47 Meters Down A True Story: The Plot
Before we can determine if the film is based on a true story, let’s first take a closer look at the plot of “47 Meters Down”.
The film follows sisters Lisa and Kate, who are on vacation in Mexico. Lisa is still reeling from a recent breakup and is looking for a fun and adventurous distraction. Kate, on the other hand, is more reserved and hesitant to participate in any risky activities.
When the sisters are invited to go shark cage diving, Kate initially declines but is eventually convinced by Lisa to join in. The two are lowered into the water in a cage, but things quickly go wrong when the cable holding the cage breaks and they plummet to the ocean floor.
With their oxygen running low and surrounded by sharks, the sisters must find a way to survive and make it back to the surface before it’s too late.
The Inspiration Behind the Film
The idea for “47 Meters Down” came from director Johannes Roberts’ own experience with shark cage diving. While on vacation in South Africa, Roberts and his wife decided to try shark cage diving and were lowered into the water in a cage. However, the cable holding the cage broke and they were left stranded at the bottom of the ocean for a short period of time.
This terrifying experience inspired Roberts to create a film centered around the fear and danger of being stranded in the ocean with sharks.
Is 47 Meters Down A True Story?
Now that we have a better understanding of the plot and inspiration behind the film, let’s answer the burning question: is “47 Meters Down” based on a true story?
The short answer is no, “47 Meters Down” is not based on a true story. While the film may have been inspired by a real-life experience, the events and characters in the film are entirely fictional.
The Real Danger of Shark Cage Diving
While the events in “47 Meters Down” may not be based on a true story, the film does highlight the real danger of shark cage diving.
Shark cage diving is a popular tourist activity in many coastal areas, where participants are lowered into the water in a cage to get up close and personal with sharks. While it may seem thrilling and relatively safe, there have been several incidents where the cable holding the cage has broken, leaving participants stranded in the water.
In fact, in 2015, a similar incident to the one depicted in “47 Meters Down” occurred in South Africa. A group of tourists were stranded in a shark cage for over two hours when the cable broke, but luckily no one was injured.
Is 47 Meters Down A True Story: The Reality of Shark Attacks
While the events in “47 Meters Down” may not be based on a true story, the film does accurately depict the danger of shark attacks.
According to the International Shark Attack File, there were 64 confirmed unprovoked shark attacks in 2019, with 41 of those occurring in the United States. While these numbers may seem high, the chances of being attacked by a shark are still incredibly low.
In fact, you are more likely to be struck by lightning or die from a vending machine accident than be attacked by a shark.
The Making of 47 Meters Down
While the film may not be based on a true story, the making of “47 Meters Down” was no easy feat.
Filming in a Real Shark Tank
To create a realistic and immersive experience for viewers, the filmmakers decided to film in a real shark tank. This meant that the actors were surrounded by real sharks during filming, adding an extra layer of fear and danger to the production.
Is 47 Meters Down A True Story: The Challenges of Filming Underwater
Filming underwater presented a whole new set of challenges for the cast and crew of “47 Meters Down”. The actors had to learn how to act and deliver lines while wearing scuba gear and communicating through hand signals.
The crew also had to deal with the technical difficulties of filming underwater, such as lighting and sound, which added to the complexity of the production.
The Success of 47 Meters Down
Despite not being based on a true story, “47 Meters Down” was a box office success, grossing over $62 million worldwide. The film also received positive reviews from critics, with many praising the suspense and tension created throughout the film.
Due to its success, a sequel titled “47 Meters Down: Uncaged” was released in 2019, following a group of friends who become trapped in an underwater city filled with deadly sharks.
In Conclusion: Is 47 Meters Down A True Story
While “47 Meters Down” may not be based on a true story, the film does accurately depict the dangers of shark cage diving and the fear of being stranded in the ocean with sharks. The film’s success and positive reviews are a testament to its ability to create tension and suspense, making it a must-watch for fans of deep-sea adventure movies.