247°F (2011) is a psychological horror thriller directed by Levan Bakhia and Beqa Jguburia. Set against the backdrop of a remote and isolated location, the film follows a group of friends who find themselves trapped in a hot sauna, where the temperature continues to rise, and their survival instincts are tested. With its intense atmosphere and claustrophobic setting, 247°F keeps viewers on the edge of their seats from beginning to end.

The film centers around four young friends—played by Scout Taylor-Compton, Christina Ulloa, Travis Van Winkle, and Michael Copon—who decide to spend the day in a secluded sauna during a trip to the countryside. What begins as a relaxing retreat quickly turns into a nightmare when the sauna’s temperature malfunctions, causing it to heat up to dangerous levels. As the temperature rises, the characters must confront not only the extreme heat but also their own fears, paranoia, and the struggle to survive in the face of an unforgiving environment.

The primary strength of 247°F lies in its ability to create a high level of tension and suspense. The sauna’s oppressive heat becomes a constant threat, turning the characters’ predicament into a race against time. The film effectively utilizes the confined space of the sauna, making the audience feel trapped alongside the characters. The sense of isolation is amplified by the remote location of the sauna, and the characters’ desperation to escape grows as they begin to realize that their lives are at risk. The steadily rising temperature serves as a constant reminder of the imminent danger they face.

As the heat intensifies, the psychological toll on the characters becomes more apparent. Each person reacts differently to the crisis, with emotions running high and trust beginning to break down. The relationships between the friends are tested as they struggle to maintain their composure and figure out a way to escape. The performances of the cast, including Scout Taylor-Compton and Travis Van Winkle, help to bring these tensions to life, with each actor effectively portraying the physical and emotional strain their character endures.

Filmed in Tbilisi, Georgia, 247°F makes use of its setting to contribute to the film’s claustrophobic atmosphere. The sauna itself, as well as the surrounding area, provides a sense of isolation, reinforcing the characters’ vulnerability. The cinematography captures the oppressive heat and the characters’ increasing distress, with close-up shots and tight framing emphasizing the feeling of being trapped. The film’s minimalist approach to set design and its focus on the characters’ reactions enhance the sense of confinement and tension.

In conclusion, 247°F is a tense and gripping horror film that explores the human will to survive in the face of extreme circumstances. With its high-stakes premise, strong performances, and effectively claustrophobic setting, the film delivers a thrilling experience for fans of psychological horror. While the film may not offer supernatural elements, it succeeds in keeping viewers engaged by focusing on the very real threat of physical danger and the emotional breakdown of its characters. 247°F is a stark reminder of the power of suspense and the fear of being trapped in an unrelenting situation.