Is 12 Feet Deep Based on a True Story? Real Events, Facts & People

12 Feet Deep (also known as The Deep End) is a 2017 psychological thriller, helmed by Matt Eskandari. The story revolves around two sisters, who find themselves trapped underwater in a public pool during a holiday weekend. The pool’s cover rolls over and traps them beneath the surface, now they must survive in the confined space and race against time. After such an intense experience as a viewer, one often wonders if 12 Feet Deep based on a true story or not. So, is the movie inspired by any real events and facts?

Is 12 Feet Deep based on a true story?

No, 12 Feet Deep is not based on a true story, however, it does resemble a similar real-life incident, but there’s no official confirmation about the same. The movie relies on elements of tension and survival that stir up psychological drama. The confined setting creates a tense and claustrophobic atmosphere, which has been the premise of multiple films. Although the film is not based on any particular event, it leverages the very real fear of confinement and engages its audience.

12 Feet Deep’s real events and facts explained

As reports suggest, Eskandari was researching for the film and came across a few incidents where people lost their lives after being stuck under the pool cover. These incidents are rare, but they have occurred before. For example, in 2015, a teenager purportedly drowned in a pool in Victoria, Australia, on Christmas Eve, and her body was discovered under the pool covers by a friend. The inspiration for the film stems from a combination of psychological fears such as claustrophobia or drowning. The choice of adding a swimming pool in the setting transforms a familiar environment into a dangerous one.

The real people behind 12 Feet Deep’s characters

The characters in 12 Feet Deep are not based on real-life people. The two main fictional characters were designed to portray the fear and anxieties of people who are trapped in a situation that seems impossible to escape from. The film evokes a visceral response through these two characters and taps into our universal apprehensions.

Is Bree a real person?

Bree is a fictional character and one of the sisters who becomes trapped underwater. Her role extends beyond the physical struggle of surviving and also delves into the complexities of her relationship with her sister.

Is Jonna a real person?

Jonna is also a created character and one of the sisters, who finds herself in a life-threatening situation. Her character adds layers of tension and emotion to the narrative, as she tries to grapple with the immediate threat and the interpersonal dynamics between the two sisters.