Aliens of the Deep Plot

Aliens of the Deep is a 2005 documentary film, directed by Academy Award winner James Cameron and Steven Quale and filmed in the 3-D IMAX format. It shows footage from 40 deep sea dives in both the Atlantic Ocean and Pacific Ocean.

Cameron joins up with a group of NASA scientists, as well as some marine biologists, to investigate ten hydrothermal vents in both the Atlantic and Pacific. The vents have their own unique ecosystem, which support diverse organisms such as giant tube worms, swarms of blind white crabs, and vast amounts of shrimp which are capable of "seeing" water which is heated by the vents. These creatures do not require sunlight like other organisms, and instead obtain their energy from the vents. They are able to survive in the superheated and sulfurous water. Because of this, the documentary suggests that this is what life beyond Earth might look like. As an alien ecosystem is likely to be a lot harsher than a typical terrestrial ecosystem, these exotic vents provide a valuable insight into some of the forms that alien life might take.

The documentary shows Cameron's passion for exploring the oceans, as well as his interest in extraterrestrial life. It also showcases the technology employed to reach such depths.

Tagline: The search for life beyond begins below.