247°F (2011): A Claustrophobic Survival Thriller

247°F is a tense and harrowing survival thriller directed by Levan Bakhia and Beqa Jguburia. Released in 2011, the film delves into the psychological and physical challenges of survival, exploring the fragile balance between panic and rationality under extreme stress.

The story follows four friends—Jenna (Scout Taylor-Compton), Renee (Christina Ulloa), Ian (Travis Van Winkle), and Michael (Michael Copon)—who set out for a relaxing weekend at a lakeside cabin. Seeking a break from their daily lives, the group decides to enjoy the cabin’s sauna. However, what begins as a carefree retreat quickly spirals into a nightmare when the sauna door jams, trapping them inside with no way to escape.

Video : 247°F Trailer [HD] – Scout Taylor-Compton

As the temperature in the sauna rises to perilous levels, the friends must confront the physical dangers of heat, dehydration, and suffocation. At the same time, the confined space brings out personal fears and underlying tensions among the group. Jenna, haunted by the trauma of a past car accident, must battle her inner demons to stay strong. Ian and Michael clash over leadership, while Renee struggles to keep the group from falling apart.

The film excels in its use of a single, claustrophobic setting to heighten tension. The sauna becomes an oppressive and suffocating environment, amplified by close-up shots of the characters’ sweat-drenched faces and frantic escape attempts. The cinematography employs warm, stifling tones to immerse viewers in the unbearable heat, making them feel as trapped as the characters on screen.

With its minimalist approach, 247°F keeps the focus squarely on the escalating crisis and its psychological toll. The rising temperature serves as a relentless countdown, forcing the characters to confront their breaking points. The film explores themes of survival, the fragility of human resilience, and the unpredictability of human behavior in life-or-death situations.

247°F is a gripping and intense film that draws its power from a simple yet relatable premise. It examines how extreme circumstances can push people to their limits, both mentally and physically, while questioning how far individuals will go to survive against overwhelming odds. For fans of survival thrillers, this film offers a compelling and nerve-wracking experience.