Horror aficionados are raving about a film that landed on Netflix just last month, hailing it as having the “best opening scene” in the genre, perfectly timed for Halloween chills.
Despite a dismal 14% Tomatometer score on Rotten Tomatoes and a marginally better audience rating of 37%, Ghost Ship has made a lasting impression since its 2002 release, particularly for its gruesome and shocking start.
Directed by Steve Beck with a script penned by Mark Hanlon and John Pogue, Ghost Ship may not have sustained the momentum after its notorious beginning, but that hasn’t stopped it from becoming iconic due to its iconic opening scene.
The chilling synopsis of Ghost Ship reads: “In a remote region of the Bering Sea, a boat salvage crew discovers the eerie remains of a grand passenger liner thought lost for more than 40 years.
“But once onboard the eerie, cavernous ship, the crew of the Arctic Warrior discovers that the decaying vessel is anything but deserted.
“It’s home to something more deadly and horrific than anything they’ve encountered in all their years at sea.”
Stranded after their tugboat explodes, the crew must board the ominous Ghost Ship, where they’re confronted with the ship’s dark past and the tragedy that left nearly all its passengers dead.
Yet, the viewers are privy to the ghastly events that unfolded years before, thanks to the film’s unforgettable opening sequence, reports the Mirror.
The film’s opening sequence sets a harrowing tone as passengers are seen enjoying themselves with live music, unaware of the looming danger as a shadowy figure tampers with the ship’s equipment.
In a shocking turn of events, a metal cable violently snaps, slicing through the dance floor, gruesomely bisecting partygoers and decapitating others.
Amidst the carnage, only a diminutive girl escapes the deadly swipe of the cable, her height her saving grace. She is left in utter shock, screaming amidst the gory aftermath.
Despite the film’s subsequent decline in thrill, this opening massacre has been etched into the minds of many, earning its place in the annals of horror greatness.
“I watched this as a kid and I either forgot or didn’t know the name, but I can never forget the opening scene,” one viewer confessed, admitting the profound impact it had on them since childhood.
Another revealed the long-term effects, saying: “This childhood movie put me in therapy for years.”
A third reflected on their changing perception over time, writing: “I used to watch this movie as a kid and i always thought it was awesome, until i watched it again 15 years later and realized it’s kinda boring. Only really good part was the opening scene.” (sic)
Yet, some fans argue that the film’s value extends beyond its initial shock factor, with one enthusiast claiming: “this movie is so underrated! The opening scene is one of the best of all the horror films I’ve seen. this will always be one of my favorite movies.” (sic)
Echoing this sentiment, another fan praised the film: “A truly underrated movie with on of the best opening scenes you’ll see in a horror movie.” (sic)
Ghost Ship is available to watch on Netflix now.
