Netflix's "Under Paris" is a thrilling shark horror film that delivers an inventive twist on the classic "Jaws" formula by setting the action in the iconic Seine River and the underground tunnels of Paris. Directed by Xavier Gens, the movie follows scientist Sophia (Bérénice Bejo) as she races against time to stop a massive, aggressive mako shark named Lilith from causing a bloodbath during the city's upcoming triathlon event.
The film's unique setting is its biggest strength, as Gens masterfully utilises the iconic Parisian landmarks and the claustrophobic underground tunnels to stage exhilarating and visually stunning set pieces. The underwater photography by Nicolas Massart is particularly impressive, capturing the shark terror with stunning clarity.
Gens also deserves praise for injecting some unexpected twists and inventive ideas into the familiar shark horror narrative, keeping the audience on their toes. The film's eco-horror messaging, while heavy-handed at times, adds an intriguing layer to the story and helps set it apart from mindless B-movie fare.
However, "Under Paris" stumbles when it comes to its human characters and their underdeveloped arcs. The central drama often feels tedious and retreads familiar territory from previous shark movies, failing to match the excitement of the action sequences. The tonal shifts between serious eco-horror and campy B-movie thrills can also be jarring at times.
Additionally, while the CGI shark looks impressive in some scenes, there are instances where it behaves unrealistically and defies the laws of physics, undermining the sense of terror.
Overall, "Under Paris" is a solid and entertaining addition to the shark horror genre, elevated by its unique setting, impressive underwater photography, and inventive set pieces. While it may not break new ground narratively, Gens' film delivers enough thrills, gore, and unexpected twists to satisfy fans of the genre. If you're in the mood for a suspenseful and visually striking summer shark movie, "Under Paris" is a worthy choice to stream on Netflix.
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