June 21st 2024.
Coming up next, we have a popular genre that seems to be making a comeback this summer - shark attack movies. After the success of the outrageously entertaining Under Paris on Netflix, it's no surprise that filmmakers are jumping on the bandwagon. But this time, we have a British contender that's taking a different approach.
While Under Paris featured a giant shark named Lilith terrorizing the Seine, other recent releases like No Way Up and Deep Water have also explored the dangers of the deep sea. And let's not forget the classic inspiration for all shark films, the iconic Jaws directed by Steven Spielberg.
But with so many ways to tell a story about sharks, the new film Something in the Water is breaking the mold. Directed by Hayley Easton Street in her feature film debut, this movie takes place in the beautiful Caribbean. It starts off as a dream destination wedding for five friends, but quickly turns into a nightmare as they are forced to confront their fears in the open waters.
While the group tries to navigate their complicated relationships and unpack past traumas, they rent a dodgy-looking boat to explore a deserted island. And as you can imagine, this sets the stage for a thrilling shark attack. But what sets Something in the Water apart from other shark films is its focus on a female-led narrative and characters. Oh, and did I mention it's also a love story?
The cast and director of the film are well aware of its predecessors, but have mixed feelings about them. Easton Street jokes that she's "a bit sharked out," while actress Natalie Mitson admits to being a fan of shark films and their ability to terrify audiences. And she's not wrong - there's something primal and terrifying about the unknown depths of the ocean.
But for all the blood and gore that shark enthusiasts crave, Something in the Water also offers a refreshing take on the genre. The film's stars, Hiftu Quasem and Nicole Rieko Setsuko, both admit to being intrigued and terrified by sharks, but appreciate the way the film subverts the typical tropes of sharksploitation. And at the heart of the film is the relationship between Meg and Kayla, two ex-girlfriends who must confront their past while fighting for survival.
Screenwriter Cat Clarke cleverly weaves this relationship into the plot, making it a crucial element of the conflict before the shark even enters the picture. In a genre that often sensationalizes or sexualizes female characters, Something in the Water puts their relationship at the forefront, guiding the narrative rather than being a mere plot device.
So, whether you're a die-hard shark fan or just looking for a unique spin on the genre, Something in the Water promises to deliver a thrilling and unexpected ride. But don't take my word for it - see for yourself and let us know what you think in the comments below.
Up Next
As we enter the summer season, the ever-popular shark attack genre of movies is making a comeback. The success of Netflix's Under Paris has sparked a resurgence in these types of films, with a new British horror contender making its way into the mix.
Deep Water, starring Aaron Eckhart and Sir Ben Kingsley, is just one of the many deep-sea horrors that audiences have been treated to this year. And with its similar premise of an underwater plane wreckage being circled by sharks, it's clear that this genre continues to be inspired by the classic film Jaws directed by Steven Spielberg.
But amidst all the blood-thirsty shark enthusiasts, a new film is adding a unique twist to the usual tale of underwater peril. Directed by Hayley Easton Street, Something in the Water takes place in the Caribbean and follows five friends who are forced to confront their fears and brave the open waters after a dream destination wedding turns deadly.
While the group of friends try to unpack past trauma and celebrate bride-to-be Lizzie's big day, they rent a rickety-looking boat to explore a deserted island on their own. Little do they know, this is the perfect recipe for shark-related danger to strike. However, the focus of the film is not just on the sharks, but also on the relationships and dynamics between the characters.
The film centers around the exes Meg and Kayla, and whether or not they will rekindle their romance after a traumatic incident split them up. This adds a layer of complexity to the story, as the characters must not only fight for their lives but also confront their past and their feelings for each other.
The cast and director are well-aware of the success of Under Paris, but they have different opinions on the film. Easton Street jokes that she's "a bit sharked out", while actress Natalie Mitson admits to being a fan of shark films because they're "always good fun". Mitson's co-star Hiftu Quasem also shares her fascination with the terrifying creatures, despite being scared by them.
But Something in the Water is not your typical shark film. It subverts the genre by focusing on a female-led narrative and characters, and by exploring a same-sex relationship without sensationalizing or sexualizing it. Screenwriter Cat Clarke has cleverly woven the conflict between Meg and Kayla into the larger story of survival, adding depth and emotion to the film.
In the end, Something in the Water proves that there are many ways to fin a fish, and that a good film is not just about the scares, but also about the characters and their relationships. So, if you're a fan of shark films or just looking for a unique twist on the genre, be sure to check out Something in the Water.
[This article has been trending online recently and has been generated with AI. Your feed is customized.]
[Generative AI is experimental.]
