Jaws fans urged to watch 'terrifying' horror based on real-life story

Jaws fans have been urged to stream a 'terrifying' horror film based on an an even more chilling true story.

As the beloved shark film nears its 50th anniversary, which will be celebrated this December, moviegoers have recommended another thriller with similar themes.

Originally released in 2003, Open Water tells the story of Susan and Daniel, a couple who are accidentally left in shark-infested waters during a scuba diving trip. Although they initially expect to be rescued, the duo slowly realise they are stranded at sea and must fight for survival.

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The plot is loosely based on the real-life disappearance of American couple Thomas and Eileen Lonergan. The pair embarked on a group scuba-diving trip in Australia, in January 1988.

While exploring the waters, the couples' boat returned to shore without them, leaving the pair stranded miles and miles away from the Australian coastline. Thomas and Eileen were never found and are presumed to have died at sea.

Directed by Chris Kentis, the thriller stars Blanchard Ryan and Daniel Travis as main characters Susan and Daniel.

While this noughties release did not reach the overwhelming success of Jaws, it earned an impressive 71 per cent rating from Rotten Tomatoes critics.

However, audiences awarded the film with a sour 33 per cent rating. Despite this, many have shared glowing reviews.

"The best shark movie since Jaws," raved one fan. "A constant nail biter. There's no boat, no Roy Schneider to blow up the shark, and no catch phrases. Just two people stuck in the middle of the ocean...surrounded by sharks."

Someone else echoed the praise, writing: "There are lot of 'Post Jaws' movies that are SO pale but 'Open Water' is definitely not one of them."

A third moviegoer said: "This film is the true definition of a HORROR film as the situation these people find themselves in is the absolute last thing I would ever want to experience, and the filmmakers do a great job keeping the tension taut throughout."

The same fan went on to crown Open Water as "the scariest shark film since Jaws!" Meanwhile, a fourth fan candidly shared: "This is the most terrifying movie I have seen in my life."

Open Water is streaming for free on ITVX and Pluto TV. It is also available to purchase on Prime Video, Apple TV and Sky Store.