: The movie is a benchmark for home theater enthusiasts; reviewers often cite its sound as its greatest strength, using eardrum-bursting effects to pull you into the "dark, drippy" environment of the sub.

described the film as a "sturdy specimen" of the submarine genre that prioritizes "derring-do" over the psychological claustrophobia found in classics like Production Design:

Then there is Jon Bon Jovi, in a serious dramatic turn as Lieutenant Pete Emmett. Stripped of his rock star persona, Bon Jovi delivers a grounded, quiet performance that adds gravitas. Bill Paxton, as the seasoned, paternal Dahlgren, provides the moral anchor, while Harvey Keitel brings gruff intensity as Chief Klough. The chemistry among the crew feels authentic, mirroring the class and ethnic tensions of a WWII naval vessel.