Discover Movies like The Abyss. "The Abyss" is a gripping 1989 science fiction film directed by James Cameron. When an American submarine mysteriously sinks in the Caribbean, a civilian oil rig crew is enlisted to assist a Navy SEAL team in the recovery mission. As they descend into the ocean's depths, they encounter an otherworldly presence that challenges their understanding of reality and humanity. Renowned for its groundbreaking visual effects and intense underwater sequences, the film masterfully blends suspense, adventure, and a profound exploration of human connection and the unknown.