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