Skip to content

INTO THE DEEP

Written By:

Rich Cross
Scout Taylor-Compton in Into the Deep (Signature Entertainment) 1

The tidal wave of new shark movies shows no signs of slowing, with many small-budget films eager to use increasingly affordable CGI technology to render Great White antagonists on screen. Many recent filmmakers have recognised the need to bring something distinctive to their own story of shark-based shenanigans: a new context for the jeopardy, an unusual and conducive location, or a never-before-seen underwater breed. The makers of Into the Deep mix together three new ingredients in the hope of serving up some irresistible screen seafood.

Cassidy (Scout Taylor-Compton) is a marine biologist, dealing with the childhood trauma of witnessing the death of her father in a shark attack by committing her life to the study of these creatures. She is mentored by her thoughtful grandfather (Richard Dreyfuss), who offers her advice and support in overcoming her fears. Heading out on a research trip, her hire boat is seized at gunpoint by drug smugglers, led by Jordan (Jon Seda), determined to retrieve a cocaine shipment from the sea bed. (No, this doesn’t turn into ‘Cocaine Shark’.) Will Cassidy find the courage to dive beneath the waves to bring back the drugs, or will the lives of everyone on board be sacrificed if she refuses?

Despite the inclusion of its three storytelling novelties (shark-phobic diver, presence of Jaws‘ icon Dreyfuss, and drug pirates), Into the Deep relies on the familiar shark tale template – killing off secondary characters in quick succession as compound perils multiply aboard ship. But there’s little tension in the way this unfolds, not least because the cinematography (including the studio water tank work) is so flat, but also due to some sketchy characterisation. The CGI shark effects rarely convince, and it’s telling how often a thick cloud of digital blood is rendered to cover up a lack of visceral detail. There are occasional bright moments, but even Cassidy’s newfound respect for her shark nemesis ends up feeling fishy. Dreyfuss’ character (Seamus) does not leave shore at any point, but over the closing credits, the actor delivers a lengthy and articulate speech about the need for shark conservation. It’s notable then that the film itself, leaning into all the standard ‘man-eating shark’ tropes, does so little to challenge the dominant cinematic narratives that depict the creature as a vindictive and remorseless killer.

stars

INTO THE DEEP is released on digital platforms on January 27th and Blu-ray/DVD on February 3rd.

You May Also Like...

margaret qualley of the substance joins cast of the dog stars by ridley scott

THE DOG STARS Adds Margaret Qualley And Others To Cast

Ridley Scott‘s thriller feature The Dog Stars continues to announce its cast list, following news that Jacob Elordi would replace Paul Mescal in the lead role. Margaret Qualley, Josh Brolin and Guy
Read More
house of night book cover marked

HOUSE OF NIGHT Novels To Receive Film Adaptation

A film adaptation of the bestselling YA vampire fantasy, 12-book series House of Night is in the works. Cinematographer Rain Li (Paris, Je T’aime, Paranoid Park) will direct from a script she
Read More
the lord of the rings: rings of power renewed for season 3

THE LORD OF THE RINGS: THE RINGS OF POWER Gets Renewed For Season 3

The Lord of the Rings: The Rings of Power has been renewed for a third season, which will surprise no one considering the major cliffhangers on which season 2 ended.
Read More
taylor lautner to star in twilight meta series taylor lautner: werewolf hunter

Twilight Star To Star In Very Meta TAYLOR LAUTNER: WEREWOLF HUNTER Series

Taylor Lautner is set to star in a very self-aware TV series, which he will also executive produce for Amazon MGM Studios, titled Taylor Lautner: Werewolf Hunter. The project was
Read More
aaron paul to star in the night house. still from film the path

THE NIGHT HOUSE Will Star Jacob Tremblay And Aaron Paul

Room star Jacob Tremblay and Breaking Bad’s Aaron Paul will star in The Night House from producer Steven Schneider (Insidious, Paranormal Activity, Split). The Night House is based on the 2023 novel by Jo Nesbø, whose writing
Read More
how to train your dragon trailer live-action

HOW TO TRAIN YOUR DRAGON Debuts Full Trailer

After debuting an excerpt of the film during the Super Bowl, Universal Pictures has released the full trailer for How to Train Your Dragon, a live-action remake of the beloved
Read More