The Abyss, the “totally gripping” sci-fi from James Cameron, has been removed from Disney+, following criticism over an “unacceptable” scene.
The 1989 film follows an oil platform crew and a team of Navy SEALs after a submarine sinks in the Caribbean, only to discover something unexpected lurking below them as they begin to uncover the mystery.
A special edition, which consisted of a lengthier running time, was subsequently released in cinemas for one night only in December 2023, with the 4K edition recently being added to Disney+.
The Abyss is now unavailable on the streaming service, however, following controversy arising after a scene – which was removed from both the original theatrical cut and the subsequent re-release – was included in the version on Disney+.
The scene in question sees a real rat being forcibly submerged in fluorocarbon liquid, with the intention being to demonstrate that the rodent could float. Though the animal survived, the scene was cut at the behest of the British Board of Film Classification (BBFC) on animal cruelty grounds.
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The ruling prohibited the scene from being included in any theatrical, home video or terrestrial cut of the film, although the current guidelines means that streaming services – such as Disney+ – are not bound by the same standards.
Disney+ did not immediately comment on the film’s removal from the streaming service after being approached by Digital Spy.
David Bowles, the RSPCA’s Head of Public Affairs, shared a statement, saying: “The RSPCA is really concerned that a loophole currently exists allowing animal abuse scenes deemed unacceptable elsewhere to be streamed freely and legally into our homes.
“The Abyss‘ controversial rat scene has long concerned the RSPCA, and has always been deemed unacceptable by BBFC – so it’s hard to fathom why Disney+ has decided to broadcast it.
“We need to ensure people are not being exposed to content which promotes or showcases cruelty to animals. As the way millions of households consume entertainment changes, it’s vital the legal framework is responsive to that.”
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The Abyss is widely considered to be one of Cameron’s finest works, with the film currently possessing an impressive approval rating of 89% on Rotten Tomatoes from 56 reviews.
“The utterly gorgeous special effects frequently overshadow the fact that The Abyss is also a totally gripping, claustrophobic thriller, complete with an interesting crew of characters,” reads the site’s critical consensus.
Reporter, Digital Spy George is a freelance writer who specialises in Movies and TV. After graduating with a degree in Film Studies and Journalism from De Montfort University, in which he analysed the early works of Richard Linklater for his dissertation, he wrote for several websites for GRV Media. His film tastes vary from blockbusters like Mission: Impossible and John Wick to international directors such as Paolo Sorrentino and Hirokazu Kore-eda, and has attended both the London and Berlin film festivals.
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