Definition
Submergence is a 2017 English‑language drama‑thriller film directed by Jacques Audiard, adapted from the 2013 novel of the same name by J. M. Ledgard. The film stars Alicia Vikander and James McAvoy as the central characters.
Overview
The narrative follows James More (McAvoy), a British intelligence operative, and Danielle Flinders (Vikander), a marine biologist engaged in deep‑sea research. Their brief encounter in a Paris café evolves into a romantic relationship that is later tested when they are separated by their respective missions: More is captured and interrogated by an extremist group in London, while Danielle is stationed on a remote oceanic research vessel in the Atlantic. The film intercuts between the two storylines, exploring themes of love, isolation, and the human drive to uncover hidden depths—both scientific and psychological.
Submergence premiered at the Venice International Film Festival on 4 September 2017 and received a limited theatrical release in the United States on 19 May 2018. The production was a co‑production between France, the United Kingdom, and the United States, with a reported budget of approximately $20 million. Worldwide box‑office receipts were modest, totaling roughly $5 million.
Etymology/Origin
The title derives from the noun submergence, meaning “the act of being submerged; the state of being under water.” The term reflects both the literal underwater setting of Danielle’s scientific work and the metaphorical descent of the characters into perilous, hidden realms—political intrigue and the deep ocean.
Characteristics
- Genre: Drama, thriller, romance.
- Director: Jacques Audiard, noted for his character‑driven narratives.
- Screenplay: Jacques Audiard and Thomas Bidegain, adapted from J. M. Ledgard’s novel.
- Principal Cast: Alicia Vikander (Danielle Flinders), James McAvoy (James More). Supporting roles include Tom Courtenay and Ursula Parker.
- Cinematography: Stéphane Fontaine, employing contrasting visual palettes—cool, blue‑tinted underwater sequences versus stark, claustrophobic interior shots of the interrogation setting.
- Editing: Juliette Welfling, who structures the film with parallel editing to juxtapose the two protagonists’ circumstances.
- Music: The score was composed by Alexandre Desplat, providing an ambient, tension‑building backdrop that reinforces the film’s atmospheric tone.
- Runtime: 122 minutes.
- Language: Primarily English, with occasional French dialogue.
- Production Companies: Les Films du Losange, Passion Pictures, and others.
- Distribution: Distributed by Pathé in France, Saban Films in the United States, and various regional distributors elsewhere.
Critical reception was mixed. Reviewers praised the lead performances and visual composition but noted that the film’s pacing and the integration of its dual storylines received divergent responses. On aggregate sites, the film holds a middling score, reflecting this split appraisal.
Related Topics
- Jacques Audiard filmography (e.g., A Prophet, Dheepan)
- Adaptations of contemporary novels into film
- Underwater cinematography in cinema
- Spy‑thriller genre conventions
- Alicia Vikander’s and James McAvoy’s collaborative works
- Themes of isolation in modern drama
Accurate information is not confirmed regarding any pending re‑releases, director’s cuts, or subsequent awards beyond those publicly documented as of 2026.