The movie The Abyss, directed by James Cameron and released in 1989, has been removed from Disney Plus in the UK following the inclusion of a controversial scene that shows the mistreatment of a mouse. This scene, in which a mouse is forcibly submerged in a fluorocarbon liquid, was cut from previous versions of the film due to pressure from animal rights organizations such as the RSPCA.
Animal rights carry great weight today
The British Board of Film Classification (BBFC) banned the scene under the Cinematograph Films (Animals) Act of 1937, which means it cannot be shown in cinemas or included in DVD versions in the UK. However, despite this legal context, a version with the banned scene managed to be incorporated into the streaming platform in April of this year, which caused a strong reaction from animal rights advocacy groups.
The RSPCA has clarified that its opposition is not based on the so-called “cancel culture,” but rather on highlighting a legal loophole that allows scenes of animal abuse to be aired on platforms like Disney Plus, which they consider unacceptable. The organization has stated that it accepts the reinstatement of the film, as long as the scene in question is removed, something that is already happening in cinemas and physical media.
Although The Abyss is not currently available in the UK, movie lovers can explore other options on the Disney Plus platform. The film, which follows the adventures of a search team embarking on an underwater mission, remains a milestone in science fiction, showcasing talents like Ed Harris, Mary Elizabeth Mastrantonio, and Michael Biehn in its cast.
