<P> Open Water is a 2003 American survival horror - thriller film . The story concerns an American couple who go scuba diving while on vacation in the Caribbean , only to find themselves stranded miles from shore in shark - infested waters when the crew of their boat accidentally leaves them behind . The film is loosely based on the true story of Tom and Eileen Lonergan , who in 1998 went out with a scuba diving group , Outer Edge Dive Company , on the Great Barrier Reef , and were accidentally left behind because the dive - boat crew failed to take an accurate headcount . The film was financed by the husband and wife team of writer / director Chris Kentis and producer Laura Lau , both avid scuba divers . It cost $120,000 to make and was bought by Lions Gate Entertainment for $2.5 million after its screening at the Sundance Film Festival . Lions Gate spent a further $8 million on distribution and marketing . The film ultimately grossed $55 million worldwide ( including $30 million from the North American box office alone ) . </P>
<P> Open Water is a 2003 American survival horror - thriller film . The story concerns an American couple who go scuba diving while on vacation in the Caribbean , only to find themselves stranded miles from shore in shark - infested waters when the crew of their boat accidentally leaves them behind . The film is loosely based on the true story of Tom and Eileen Lonergan , who in 1998 went out with a scuba diving group , Outer Edge Dive Company , on the Great Barrier Reef , and were accidentally left behind because the dive - boat crew failed to take an accurate headcount . The film was financed by the husband and wife team of writer / director Chris Kentis and producer Laura Lau , both avid scuba divers . It cost $120,000 to make and was bought by Lions Gate Entertainment for $2.5 million after its screening at the Sundance Film Festival . Lions Gate spent a further $8 million on distribution and marketing . The film ultimately grossed $55 million worldwide ( including $30 million from the North American box office alone ) . </P>
where did the movie open water take place
where did the movie open water take place
Caribbean
Caribbean