Phil Roberts 
While Under Paris doesn’t quite compare to Spielberg’s Jaws, it delivers on its promise. It plunges its audience into the ocean’s depths, painting the waters red with intense and gory scenes.
In recent years, there has been a surge in the production of shark thriller movies. While some of these films have achieved critical acclaim and commercial success, others have been deemed low-quality cash grabs and ended up in bargain bins. Deep Blue Sea exceeded all expectations by delivering an exhilarating rollercoaster ride that didn’t take itself too seriously. Additionally, The Shallows brought the genre back into the limelight in a spectacular fashion thanks to a beautiful performance from Blake Lively and some stellar special effects.
Of course, Steven Spielberg’s adaptation of Peter Benchley’s JAWS stands as the unconquerable benchmark for shark films. Its brilliance sets a standard that is hard to match. Nevertheless, filmmakers from all walks of life are eagerly submitting their unique cinematic creations as a heartfelt tribute to the remarkable masterwork of the esteemed director.
SHARK FESTÂ
The latest film to try its luck is Under Paris. Written and directed by Xavier Gens, the film takes the real-world tragedy of global warming, adds an absurd plot involving a shark, and thrusts it into the heart of the French capital, Paris. Despite the seemingly far-fetched premise, the movie presents a compelling narrative that sheds light on the perils of human activity on the environment, particularly our impact on the world’s oceans. Gens skillfully weaves an absurd but thought-provoking plot, drawing attention to the urgent need for environmental preservation.
Despite that, the movie still fits the bill as a killer shark film and incorporates many of the expected clichés and symbols of the genre. While some elements work better than others, they don’t take away from the overall experience of this enjoyable and effective shark thriller that doesn’t overstay its welcome.
REVIEW
While Under Paris doesn’t quite compare to Spielberg’s classic, it delivers on its promise. The movie plunges its audience into the ocean’s depths, painting the waters red with intense and gory scenes. Limbs are torn away, numerous characters fall victim to razor-sharp teeth, and a brave marine biologist fights to save the day. The storyline may sometimes become absurd, but overall, the movie plunges into the action right from the start and never loses momentum.
Led by the captivating performance of Bérénice Bejo as marine biologist Sophia, the movie focuses on a massive Mako Shark displaying unusual hunting behavior. After a harrowing dive to collect a blood sample from the predator goes awry, Sophia shies away from her lifelong passion and takes on a role as a guide at an aquarium in Paris. However, when the Mako’s GPS tracker unexpectedly reactivates, revealing its presence in the waters of the River Seine, Sophia decides to embark on a daring investigation.
RIVER COPS & STEROTYPICAL POLITICIANS
Sophia encounters numerous challenges as she attempts to address the issue. She not only has to persuade the river police, led by Adil, of the Shark’s existence but also has to confront a mayor who prioritizes profiting from a pre-Olympics event over the safety of the citizens. This situation may ring a bell for many people (Mayor Larry Vaughn in Jaws!), and the motives are the same.
Bérénice Bejo truly shines here, immersing herself in the subject matter and delivering a performance of authenticity and believability. While the supporting characters lean towards cliches and B-movie horror tropes, Bejo stands out with her powerful portrayal, taking the lead with confidence and skill. This proves to be a godsend as the absurdity of the plot thrusts the audience into the murky waters of the Seine.
SHARK ATTACKS
With the pre-Olympic water triathlon just hours away and a giant Mako Shark preying upon Parisians left and right, Sophia enlists the help of the river police and sets off to prevent mass carnage. But can she stop the Shark before it can feast on the hundreds of swimmers descending on the river? Thankfully, she can’t, and all hell breaks loose. With swimmers being eviscerated left and right, the film hits the dizzying heights of a true shark horror. The body count is relentless, and many characters meet gruesome ends.
The special effects used to depict the Mako are satisfactory up to this point. But they don’t quite reach the level of quality seen in The Shallows. They remain a vital aspect of the film, although their quality diminishes when the creature leaps out of the water, revealing the budget constraints. Sometimes, the Shark appears almost comical as it unexpectedly leaps from the water, causing riverboats to be flung through the air. Its movements are so unbelievable that viewers have to suspend belief until the film’s end temporarily.
Fortunately, these instances are few and far between, but they negatively impact the movie’s overall quality. Towards the conclusion, there’s a fantastic reference to Jaws that will undoubtedly bring a smile to the faces of movie enthusiasts. In addition, keen observers in the audience will catch a clever nod to Deep Blue Sea, enhancing the film’s overall enjoyment.
CINEMATOGRAPHY
Nicolas Massart, the cinematographer, has delivered exceptional work with the film’s color palette. The stunning 4K ultra-high definition presentation showcases the underwater scenes in their full glory. The opening scenes, set in the azure waters of Hawaii, exude warmth and crystal-clear beauty, creating an idyllic ambiance. As the story transitions to Paris, the film expertly utilizes the dark and murky water to conceal the Shark, building suspense and tension.
The portrayal of Paris in the movie is incredibly detailed and vivid. Numerous scenes occur at night, showcasing the city’s illuminated glory, with vibrant street lights casting a beautiful glow. The added touch of police lights flashing in shades of red and blue, all captured in stunning 4K, creates a captivating visual experience. From police patrols along the river to even the simplest of scenes, every shot is visually striking. It gives the film unparalleled beauty, and the results are worth the wait.
DETRACTIONS
Regrettably, the movie is filled with moments that come across as messy, which lessens its overall appeal. The awkward dialogue and strange interactions among the characters leave much to be desired. Also, it’s puzzling why the authorities would disregard the only individual possessing in-depth knowledge about the massive Shark prowling the waters. This, coupled with some terribly cliché character arcs and the previously mentioned dodgy CGI, delivers a mixed bag. On one hand, it looks exceptional, but on the other, it is bizarre to watch at times.
VERDICT
“Under Paris” delivers exactly what it promises. It’s an engaging and entertaining shark thriller that keeps the audience on the edge of their seats. It has plenty of blood, tension, and a high kill count. However, the subpar CGI, shallow character development, and predictable dialogue detract from the overall impact. Nevertheless, it remains a solid shark horror film that promises a thrilling experience. So, gear up for an underwater adventure, warm up some popcorn, and brace yourself for an intense shark horror.
Just when you thought it was safe to go back in the water…
Under Paris is streaming on Netflix everywhere now.
Meet Phil Roberts! He’s the dedicated owner, daily content manager, and editor-in-chief of The Future of the Force. Phil is a budding novelist who turned his passion toward writing about the franchises he loves back in 2016. He’s a huge fan of all things Star Wars, Batman, DC, Marvel, Star Trek, Indiana Jones, Ghostbusters, King Kong, and the Ray Harryhausen movies. Phil is a BFI-accredited journalist and a distinguished member of the Film Critics Association UK.
If he’s not catching a movie at the cinema, you can bet he’s streaming something just as awesome!
