Based on a play by Jón Atli Jónasson, itself inspired by real-life events, the film depicts the heroic efforts of a fisherman, sole survivor after a boat accident, who has to swim five kilometres in the icy North Atlantic waters to reach shore. The Deep was produced by Kormákur's Blueeyes Productions in co-production with Norway's Filmhuset and support from Nordisk Film & TV Fond.
Kormákur who is currently filming in Hollywood Two Guns starring Mark Wahlberg and Denzel Washington will attend the world premiere of The Deep at the Toronto International Film Festival (September 6-16, 2012). US rights to the drama are handled by WME Entertainment. The domestic release in Iceland is set for September 21. Europafilm has Norwegian distribution rights.