Netflixâs New Shark Thriller: Under Paris
Netflixâs fresh release, 'Under Paris,' directed by Xavier Gens, is causing quite the stir among shark movie aficionados. With a plot that may sound bizarre but is thrillingly engaging, the film captures the tension and ecological undercurrents often underscored in classic shark horror sagas. The movie paints a dramatic yet hauntingly beautiful picture, following the tale of a scientist, Sophia played by Oscar nominee Berenice Bejo, who finds herself in a race against time.
A Plot Brimming with Suspense
Sophia, a talented scientist, faces a bizarre and dangerous discovery: a colossal shark lurking in the Seine river just before the Olympic triathlon. As expected in these narratives, her warnings to the authorities are met with skepticism and negligence. The dread of a potential bloodbath looms large, evoking a sense of impending doom and highlighting the incompetence or perhaps the apathy of those with power. This mix of suspense and underlying frustration with human ignorance is something fans might find reminiscent of Spielbergâs classic, 'Jaws.'
Ecological Themes and Strong Performances
While 'Under Paris' isnât just about the monstrous shark, thereâs a layer of ecological contemplation. Environmental activist Mika, whose role is integral to the plot, stands as a beacon of ecological consciousness. Mikaâs determination and struggle against the environmental threat adds depth to the storyline. The film excels in portraying not just the physical threat of the shark but also the looming environmental crisis. The blend of ecological themes with high-octane suspense has struck a chord with many viewers, making it a multifaceted narrative.
The film boasts impressive performances. Berenice Bejoâs portrayal of Sophia is compelling, adding emotional weight to the character. Her journey from discovery to frantic warnings and ultimately the chaos that ensues is carried out with remarkable fervor. Itâs complemented by a robust supporting cast, bringing a complex and engaging dynamic to the screen.
Comparison to Jaws: A Modern Homage
The comparison to 'Jaws' is inevitable. Spielbergâs classic has set a high bar in the genre of shark thrillers, and many viewers see 'Under Paris' as a modern homage. Several elements â the sense of impending dread, the conflict between scientific discovery and public safety, and the grandiose set pieces â harken back to 'Jaws.' Xavier Gens leans into these homages, ensuring fans of the genre have several nostalgic moments.
Yet, 'Under Paris' tries to carve its own identity. The unique setting of Paris, with its iconic landmarks and distinct urban environment, offers a fresh backdrop for the aquatic terror. Itâs a testament to creative storytelling that something as outlandish as a shark in the Seine can be made plausible and thrilling. Viewers have noted the filmâs technical prowess, particularly the crisp imagery and the excellent use of lighting, which adds to the filmâs ominous tone.
Mixed Reviews: A Divide in Viewership
Despite the positive reception from a section of viewers, not everyone is entirely satisfied. Some critiques have arisen regarding the filmâs storytelling and special effects. While the narrative is gripping, a chunk of the audience finds it somewhat unoriginal, citing a formulaic approach to the genre. The special effects, crucial in a shark thriller, have also faced some criticism. For a film that stakes a lot on visual immersion, any lapses in CGI can be jarring, and unfortunately, 'Under Paris' doesnât always hit the mark in this department.
Production Quality and Cinematic Vision
Nevertheless, the production quality has been lauded by several onlookers. The film features crisp and immaculate visuals. The cinematography, especially the depiction of Paris and its river, adds a layer of artistic appeal. The sculptural use of light plays a significant role in creating the filmâs tense and eerie atmosphere. Itâs a visual delight that aims at capturing the beauty of its setting while underscoring the lurking threat.
Engaging the Audience: Themes and Cinematic Devices
One of the engaging aspects of 'Under Paris' is its thematic depth. Beyond the horror and suspense, the film delves into environmental consciousness. Mika, the environmental activist, serves as a narrative device highlighting the importance of ecological balance. This theme resonates with contemporary audiences, increasingly aware of environmental issues. Itâs a bold and thoughtful inclusion in a genre often focused more on thrills than messages.
The film successfully uses various cinematic devices to keep the audience engaged. The pacing, despite some critiques, generally maintains a fine balance between action and storyline development. The escalating tension, coupled with the dire environmental warnings, keeps viewers on the edge, simultaneously entertained and contemplative about the broader implications.
Conclusion: A Unique Blend of Thrills and Messages
In conclusion, 'Under Paris' may not entirely live up to the monumental legacy of 'Jaws,' but it offers a compelling narrative that blends suspense with timely ecological themes. The filmâs strength lies in its ability to evoke a blend of fear and awareness, positioning itself as more than just a shark thriller. It may have its shortcomings, particularly in originality and special effects, but the production quality and poignant performances, notably by Berenice Bejo, provide significant redeeming factors.
With its unique setting, strong ecological messaging, and a nod to the classics, 'Under Paris' is a noteworthy addition to the shark horror genre. It showcases that Netflix continues to take bold steps in producing diverse and thought-provoking content.
Abby Culbertson
June 6, 2024 AT 19:42OMG this shark in the Seine is wild, cant even đ
Awolumate Muhammed Abayomi
June 22, 2024 AT 05:18Yo fam, this movie got me hyped af! The idea of a massive shark cruising under the Eiffel Tower is lit, cant wait to see more.
Josh Tate
July 7, 2024 AT 14:54Man, the eco angle in Under Paris actually hits close to home. Seeing a scientist battle bureaucracy while a predator lurks in the river feels eerily real, especially with all the climate news nowadays. The cinematography of the Seine at night is stunning-those reflections make the water look both beautiful and menacing. I love how the film doesn't just rely on jump scares but also forces us to think about our impact on waterways. Props to Berenice Bejo for pulling off that intense emotional rollercoaster.
John Smith
July 23, 2024 AT 00:30Actually, the director borrowed the shark's movement patterns from real great white tracking data, which explains the realistic swim sequences. The CGI team used a mix of motion capture and fluid simulation to blend the creature into the river's currents, though a few frames still look a bit off.
Alex Soete
August 7, 2024 AT 10:06Under Paris manages to stitch together a classic thriller vibe with a fresh environmental message, and thatâs no small feat. From the opening montage of Parisian rooftops, the film instantly sets a tone thatâs both romantic and ominous. The shark itself is introduced not with a splash but with a subtle ripple, suggesting that danger can be hidden in plain sight. As the plot unfolds, Sophiaâs frantic warnings echo the familiar Jaws narrative while also highlighting bureaucratic inertia that feels all too real today. The supporting cast, especially the activist Mika, brings a grounded perspective that reminds viewers of real-world river pollution issues. The direction by Xavier Gens leans into tight close-ups, making every flicker of light in the water feel like a predatorâs eye. The sound design cleverly uses low-frequency rumbles that you can feel in your chest, amplifying the suspense without relying on overused scream tracks. Cinematographer Claire Mathon captures the Seineâs reflections with such clarity that you can almost see the cityâs glittering lights dancing on the surface of the water. The CGI work, while not flawless, benefits from a meticulous layering process that blends practical effects with digital enhancements. The film also drops subtle hints about climate change, like news snippets on rising water temperatures that could be fueling the sharkâs aggression. Berenice Bejo delivers a performance that oscillates between scientific poise and raw terror, making her characterâs arc compelling. The pacing strikes a balance, never lingering too long on exposition while allowing moments of quiet dread to settle. Even the action sequences, like the triathlon chase, are choreographed to showcase both human endurance and the predatorâs raw power. The ending, without giving away spoilers, ties the ecological narrative together in a way that feels both hopeful and cautionary. Overall, Under Paris stands as a worthy addition to the shark genre, offering more than just thrills-it forces us to confront the consequences of ignoring our natural world.
Cara McKinzie
August 22, 2024 AT 19:42Ugh, this whole âecoâthrillerâ hype feels forced, like they just tossed in a green message to look smart. The shark scenes are cheesy, and the drama is over the top, seriously.