A Jaw-Dropping Dive into Shark-Infested Waters
Xavier Gens delivers his second stateside release of the year with “Under Paris”, a film that has quickly climbed the Netflix charts. This defiantly goofy movie pays homage to Steven Spielberg’s “Jaws” while embracing the outrageousness of “Sharknado” in its insane final act. Gens struggles to find the balance between these two tones, resulting in a film that looks as ridiculous as its plot with overdone CGI and stylish cinematography. However, “Under Paris” proves to be a reasonable summer diversion—a Netflix flick that gets in, gets bloody, and gets out, setting the stage for an inevitable sequel that promises to be even more preposterous—in a good way.
The film’s wonderfully simple pitch is all it needs: There’s a shark (or sharks) in the Seine. Go! This premise introduces us to marine researcher Sophia Assalas, played by Bérénice Bejo of “The Artist” and “The Past”. Bejo brings a notable amount of gravity to what could have been a thankless role. The film opens in a water garbage dump in the Pacific, where Sophia is hunting a mako shark named Lilith. When Sophia’s husband tries to take a blood sample from the shark, he is attacked and killed, setting up both a personal trauma for Sophia and a personal connection to the shark.
Three years later, Sophia is working in Paris when she discovers that Lilith is alive and swimming in the Seine. This river runs through the heart of the City of Lights, which is also the site of an upcoming triathlon. The event’s attention gives “Under Paris” a nice layer of “Jaws”-esque tension, with Sophia and her team aware of the danger in the water while the mayor, played by Anne Marivin, refuses to take necessary precautions. Caught in the middle is a cop named Adil, portrayed by the charismatic Nassim Lyes, who starred in Gens’ last film “Mayhem!”. Predictably, Adil will eventually be convinced by Sophia to stop the impending watery bloodshed—but will it be too late?
Gens and his team of writers—four are credited, which sometimes results in a sense of too many cooks in the kitchen—take a bit too long to set things up. However, they deliver when needed. Gens foreshadows the carnage to come and pays off with scenes that will thrill anyone who schedules viewings around Shark Week or has seen all four “Jaws” movies multiple times. The film ends with a sequence that recalls Roland Emmerich as much as it does Steven Spielberg.
There’s a version of “Under Paris” that’s smarter and tighter in the editing department, but this no-nonsense genre flick is perfect for Netflix in its brutal simplicity. It’s “Jaws” in the Seine, a blunt instrument in a time when many movies overcomplicate their storytelling. Despite some ecological messaging and commentary on political games that cost lives, “Under Paris” is primarily about sharks and swimmers. And that works in any language.
Positive Aspects
- Visual and Cinematic Excellence:
- The film is praised for its stunning visual effects and cinematography. The underwater shots in the Seine and the picturesque streets of Paris, captured by DP Nicolas Massart, add a layer of visual appeal to the thriller 123.
- Compelling Performances:
- Bérénice Bejo’s performance as Sophia, an oceanographer, is highlighted for its depth and emotional resonance. Nassim Lyes also delivers a strong performance as Sergeant Adil Faez, keeping the audience invested despite the film’s occasional silliness 4.
- Innovative Premise and Themes:
- The film introduces new elements to the killer shark genre, such as the ecological theme and the setting in the iconic Seine River. The idea of sharks adapting to fresh water and the environmentalists’ efforts to protect them add a unique twist to the narrative 5.
- Thrilling and Fun Shark Action:
- Cultural and Historical Context:
- The film explores the rich history and cultural significance of the Paris Catacombs, adding depth to the narrative. The catacombs’ historical use and the subculture of “cataphiles” provide an intriguing backdrop for the story 8.
Mixed to Negative Aspects
- Predictable and Convoluted Plot:
- Inconsistent Execution and Pacing:
- Over-the-Top Elements:
- Mixed Critical Reception:
- The film has received mixed reviews, with some praising its fun and thrilling aspects, while others criticize it for being a “dumb shark movie” that flits with ecological themes without fully committing to them 17 18.
- Violence and Gore:
“Under Paris” (2024) is a sci-fi horror thriller that offers a mix of thrilling shark action, compelling performances, and stunning visuals. Directed by Xavier Gens, the film introduces innovative elements to the killer shark genre, set against the backdrop of the iconic Seine River and the Paris Catacombs. However, it suffers from a predictable plot, inconsistent pacing, and over-the-top elements that may detract from the overall experience.
For fans of shark movies and those interested in a visually appealing thriller, “Under Paris” provides an entertaining, if somewhat flawed, viewing experience. Its cultural and historical context, combined with its thrilling action sequences, make it a noteworthy entry in the genre.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs):
1. What is the main plot of “Under Paris”?
- According to IMDb, “Under Paris” follows marine researcher Sophia Assalas, who discovers that a mako shark named Lilith is terrorizing the Seine River in Paris. The film explores her efforts to stop the shark while dealing with local political resistance.
2. Who directed “Under Paris”?
- “Under Paris” was directed by Xavier Gens, known for his work on “The Divide” and “Hitman”, as detailed on Wikipedia.
3. Where can I watch “Under Paris”?
- You can watch “Under Paris” on iWatchOnline, a platform offering a wide range of films and TV shows.
4. What themes are explored in “Under Paris”?
- The film explores themes of ecological impact, political consequences, and human versus nature, as noted in reviews on Metacritic and Rotten Tomatoes.
5. How has the film been received by critics?
- Critics have had mixed reactions to “Under Paris”, praising its entertaining premise and thrilling sequences while noting its over-the-top CGI and lack of subtlety. This reception is evident from detailed reviews found on IMDb and Rotten Tomatoes.
For more detailed reviews and opinions, you can visit the aforementioned sources.
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