entertainment•Mon, August 10, 2026•5 min read

Inside the Submerged Reality of Netflix’s 'The Last House'

Netflix’s psychological thriller 'The Last House' features breathtaking underwater sequences that are entirely practical. We explore how director Louis Leterrier and his cast achieved these stunts without relying on blue screens.

A Masterclass in Practical Filmmaking

When viewers sit down to watch Netflix’s new psychological thriller, The Last House, they are often struck by the claustrophobic intensity of the film's flooded finale. Unlike many modern blockbusters that rely on digital wizardry to generate environments, director Louis Leterrier opted for a bold, old-school approach: he built the house and then submerged it.

The production team constructed massive tanks to allow the set to flood from within. For Leterrier, the goal was simple but ambitious—the water, the plants, and the house had to be authentic to capture the true weight of the characters' survival situation.

Netflix drummed up massive buzz for the film with a real-life marketing stunt on Sunset Boulevard.

Training the Cast for the Deep

Creating such a complex environment meant the cast had to become more than just actors—they had to become divers. Marine and diving coordinator Ian Creed led the cast through five rigorous underwater training sessions. These sessions covered essential survival skills, including breathing without visible gear, removing masks, and precise underwater choreography.

Cast members learned to clear masks and equalize ear pressure at the London School of Diving.
Performers were trained to hold their breath for extended periods to perform scenes without scuba equipment.
The sequences were carefully choreographed by count, timing every movement from turning to retrieving props.
Greta Lee, who stars in the film, noted she could comfortably remain submerged for hours by the end of production.

We submerged the house underwater. The water, the plants, the house — everything is real.
— Louis Leterrier, Director

Survival in Every Detail

The commitment to realism extended beyond the water. To ensure the family’s five-year survival arc felt plausible, the production consulted with survival expert Megan Hine. From the 'chimney fishing' techniques used by the character Jason to the improvised irrigation systems feeding the house's sub-soil garden, every detail in The Last House was designed to ground the story in a gritty, believable reality. For fans of the genre, the film offers a rare look at how extreme practical effects can elevate a psychological thriller from a mere story to a visceral experience.

Key Takeaways

The underwater finale of The Last House was filmed in real tanks, not via CGI.
The cast underwent professional diving training, with lead Greta Lee even earning a commercial diving license.
Production designer and director Louis Leterrier prioritized practical sets to maintain atmospheric authenticity.
A survival consultant was hired to ensure the film's depictions of long-term isolation were scientifically plausible.
The film was shot primarily at Shepperton Studios in England.

FAQ

Was the house in The Last House actually underwater?

Yes. Director Louis Leterrier had the production team submerge the house set in specialized tanks to capture the climax without relying on green screens.

Did the actors use breathing equipment during filming?

They underwent extensive training, including breath-holding and equipment management, so they could perform scenes without visible breathing gear on camera.

Where was The Last House filmed?

Principal photography took place in England, primarily at the Shepperton Studios.

When was The Last House released on Netflix?

The film was released on August 7, 2026.