'Under Paris' Review: Netflix's sinister and chilling shark movie may be one of the genre's best
Contains spoilers for 'Under Paris'
LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA: The season of bloodthirsty sharks have arrived with the debut of Netflix's latest action thriller film, 'Under Paris', which follows a sharky dive into the murky depths of the Seine River.
The film, directed by Xavier Gens, depicts the thrilling story of Sophia (Bérénice Bejo), a marine researcher who must confront her painful past in order to avert a devastating sequence of shark attacks in Paris.
Without a doubt, the film is a significant addition to the shark movie genre, bringing a fresh narrative and innovative visual effects to the table, as well as expertly intertwining a suspenseful storyline with compelling character arcs, all set against the backdrop of the iconic city of Paris.
'Under Paris' masters suspense with shadowy shark encounters
One of the film's most notable aspects is its brilliant use of the murky depths of the Seine to create tension, keeping the gigantic shark a shadowy presence until it is absolutely required to show its true form.
The film's genuine brilliance rests in its human-shark encounters, which provide heart-stopping moments that will have you on the edge of your seat, and the credit should go to Xavier Gens for successfully combining horror elements with a strong narrative drive.
The pacing maintains tension throughout, leading to an unexpected yet suitable climax to the movie.
Additionally, the film successfully draws comparisons with classics such as 'Jaws' while also maintaining its own footing, which distinguishes it in the genre.
'Under Paris' boasts stellar performances from its ensemble
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The film's tight narrative is bolstered by great performances from the actors. Bérénice Bejo delivers a remarkable performance as Sophia.
Her portrayal of perseverance and tenacity is truly praiseworthy, capturing the essence of a woman plagued by her past yet propelled by an unyielding sense of purpose.
The supporting cast also excels, as Nassim Lyes provides a fresh perspective on Parisian police officer Adil Faez, motivated by empathy and a sense of responsibility. Anaïs Parello and Iñaki Lartigue also add richness and complexity to the narrative.
'Under Paris' infuses fear through technical brilliance
Gens and his team demonstrate extraordinary technical prowess in bringing Lilith, the shark, to life, effortlessly mixing CGI, VFX, and practical effects to create a palpable sense of dread.
The CGI, VFX, and practical effects employed to create the shark are excellent, avoiding the dangers of over-reliance on computer images that plague many creature designs.The underwater scenes also present a thrilling experience for the viewers.
Furthermore, the skillful use of visual components shrouds Lilith in shadow until, after a brief appearance at the start of the movie, the dreaded creature's disclosure only in the final moment adds a sense of intrigue to the narrative.
Additionally, Lilith is showcased as a creature of unmatched dread, whose presence dominates every frame and instills spectators with visceral fear.
Finally, the movie demonstrates the eternal power of storytelling, combining technical mastery with captivating performances to produce a cinematic experience unlike any other.
As Lilith's sinister shadow looms over the dark waters of the Seine, one thing becomes crystal clear that in the arena of aquatic dread, 'Under Paris' reigns supreme.
'Under Paris' trailer
