Like 2016’s “The Shallows”, Alexandre Aja’s new disaster horror film features a strong, charming female lead who will go up against a horrific force of nature (trade the shark for a pissed off alligator protecting it’s natural habitat). Also swap Blake Lively for the equally adroit Kaya Scodelario (“The Maze Runner” trilogy). Produced by Sam Raimi, who created the classic “Evil Dead” film series, he also directed “Darkman”, “A Simple Plan” and “Oz the Great and Powerful”. While the storyline credited to writers Michael and Shawn Rasmussen has a been there, done that feel, it is still engaging, throws you off balance and builds a tight sense of dread. Just enough to keep you wondering how our heroine will get out of the next peril washed her way.
As a Category 5 hurricane lays waste to Florida, Haley (Scodelario) decides to go looking for her missing father (Barry Pepper, “Saving Private Ryan”), who won’t answer his phone. As the trailer reveals, they become trapped in the basement of their home, and as the storm makes the waters rise, it reveals that a very angry alligator has come home to make a nest. I won’t reveal any more spoilers, as films like this contain twists that must be experienced by their audiences to enjoy the full effect. I will tell you, the story kept me engaged and rooting for Haley, who happens to be a university swimmer. The CGI effects are top-notch and the alligator effects are frightening and made me jump several times. The true test of a great thriller, no doubt. I won’t call this the next classic, like “Jaws” or “Jurassic Park”, but if you are looking for a fun disaster, I’m-trapped-with-a-monster thriller (my favorite kind), you can’t go wrong with this one.
For me, “The Shallows” was just as much fun to watch and “47 Meters Down” (2017) is the best of the three. That one really creeped me out and is the most believable. Alexandre Aja also directed “High Tension”, the scary “The Hills Have Eyes” remake and the abysmal “Piranha 3D” flop. This may be one of his most accessible and mainstream movies. I credit him and Sam Raimi for not making this film work too hard. It has jumped into the deep end and is ready to drag its audience down with it, kicking and screaming. Everyone in the pool! (3.5 out of 5 stars.)
I agree. A fun summer flick! Filled with creepy dread and pulse-pounding action. I’ll go one step further than you David and give it 4 stars! Great review.
This is awesome Dave. Looking forward to reading more!
I have always love your critiques! You have never steared me wrong!!! Will definitely check it out. Good summer movie ☀️
How dare you knock “Piranha 3D”? The underwater ballet scene is gut-wrenching. Great review nevertheless!
Great write Dave but I lost my interest for her. When she sneaks into the main cellar to get her phone you would think she grabs it and runs back to safety? No, she stops and checks her phone and then makes a call. Why didn’t she check her Facebook account or try to take a selfie with the alligator? I thought that was poor writing. Also when he is looking for his daughter and standing in front of a open front door with water coming in waving a flare you knew he was going to get bit and when it happened he does not run up the stairs for protection, he sits right there. And lets cross an alligator infested open road? We will just be quite. It was a fun movie and I did enjoy going to see it just wished it was written a bit better. Looking forward to going to see your other recommendations. Keep up the great work!
I don’t watch this genre, but this review is so good I almost want to see this film!