🎬 Movie Overview

• Title: 247°F (also known as 247 Degrees F)

• Release Date: September 1, 2011 (Georgia), later international rollout

• Genre: Survival Thriller / Horror

• Directors: Levan Bakhia & Beqa Jguburia

• Cast: Scout Taylor‑Compton (Jenna), Christina Ulloa (Renee), Travis Van Winkle (Ian), Michael Copon (Michael), Tyler Mane (Wade)

• Where to Watch: Amazon Prime, Fandango at Home, Apple TV, The CW, Plex

1. Plot Summary

Four friends—Jenna, Renee, Ian, and Michael—head to a secluded lakeside cabin owned by Wade (Tyler Mane). After using the sauna, Michael storms out drunk, leaving the others inside. Soon they realize the door is jammed, and the temperature starts rising dangerously toward 247°F. With no help coming, they must battle dehydration, heat exhaustion, and panic to survive

2. Notable Elements

• Claustrophobic Setting: Trapped in the sauna, the film masterfully builds tension through tight framing and realistic sweating and discomfort |

• Scout Taylor‑Compton’s Performance: As Jenna, she brings genuine fear and vulnerability, especially given her history of claustrophobia revealed in the prologue

• Man vs. Nature: Lacking a supernatural threat, the movie leans into the primal horror of being slowly baked alive—a deeply unsettling premise

• Practical Effects: Sweat, burns, and dehydration are portrayed with gritty realism, underscored by solid makeup and effects work

• Stumbling Third Act: Reviewers note a sudden tonal shift and pacing issues toward the end, as desperation spills into dramatic conflict .

3. Themes and Messages

• Survival and Human Error: The film is a cautionary tale—simple carelessness can lead to deadly consequences.

• Fear of the Everyday:

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  It turns a mundane setting into an existential trap—fire, heat, and confinement collide in terrifying ways.

• Trauma Resurfacing: Jenna’s claustrophobia, stemming from a car accident, resurfaces powerfully under the sauna’s oppressive heat .

4. Personal Impressions

Strengths:

• Taut atmosphere and realistic buildup draw you into the characters’ escalating panic .

• Strong lead performance from Taylor‑Compton, supported by a believable ensemble

• The premise is simple yet viscerally effective—no monstrous twist, just raw survival.

Weaknesses:

• The final act feels rushed and includes character conflicts that feel underdeveloped and tonally jarring

• Some characters come off as shallow or irritating, making emotional investment uneven .

5. Audience Recommendations

✔ Ideal for fans of survival thrillers like Buried, Frozen, or Phone Booth.
✔ Great for viewers who appreciate primal tension without relying on slashers or supernatural elements.
🚫 Less suited for those needing deep character arcs or strong narrative resolution.

6. Conclusion & Rating

247°F is a claustrophobic and gripping survival thriller that turns a simple sauna into a lethal trap. While it loses some steam in the final act and characters can feel underdeveloped, the film’s strong atmosphere, grounded performances, and horrifying premise make it a worthy watch.

Final Recommendation: Worth a watch for fans of tense, realistic horror—especially those who enjoy watching characters pushed to their breaking point.

Rating: ★★★☆☆ (3/5 stars)