Triangle (2009) is a mind-bending psychological horror thriller that explores time loops, guilt, and the terrifying consequences of trying to escape fate—set aboard a mysterious ocean liner adrift in the Atlantic.
The story follows Jess (Melissa George), a single mother who joins a group of friends on a sailing trip. After a sudden storm capsizes their yacht, the survivors board a seemingly abandoned cruise ship named Aeolus. But the ship is far from empty. As Jess begins to experience déjà vu and eerie coincidences, the group is stalked by a masked killer—and Jess slowly realizes she may be trapped in a repeating cycle of violence and death. Each loop reveals new layers of horror, as Jess confronts alternate versions of herself and uncovers the disturbing truth behind her own actions.
Directed and written by Christopher Smith, the film stars Michael Dorman, Rachael Carpani, Henry Nixon, Emma Lung, and Liam Hemsworth in one of his earliest film roles. Inspired by the myth of Sisyphus, Triangle uses its looping narrative to explore themes of punishment, denial, and the impossibility of redemption. Smith insisted on building full-scale sets of the cruise ship to avoid green screen effects, enhancing the film’s claustrophobic and surreal atmosphere.
A British-Australian co-production, Triangle premiered at the London FrightFest Film Festival on August 27, 2009, and was released theatrically in the UK on October 16, 2009. Though it didn’t receive a U.S. theatrical release, it gained a cult following through home media and streaming. With a modest budget of $12 million, the film grossed around $1.3–1.6 million worldwide, but earned critical praise for its originality, structure, and Melissa George’s haunting performance.
Still debated and dissected by fans, Triangle stands out as a cerebral horror film that rewards close attention and multiple viewings. Its looping structure and emotional core make it a standout in the genre—often compared to films like Coherence, Timecrimes, and Donnie Darko.
