The Shark Movie That Dares to Be Dumb (in the Best Way)
There’s something oddly refreshing about a shark movie that doesn’t take itself too seriously. In a year flooded with shark films that seem to forget the genre’s core appeal—mindless, thrilling fun—Above & Below emerges as a guilty pleasure that leans into its absurdity. Personally, I think this is where the film shines. It’s not trying to be Jaws or even The Shallows; it’s a B-movie that knows its audience and delivers exactly what they want: chaos, bad decisions, and a healthy dose of camp.
A Plot That’s Equal Parts Ridiculous and Entertaining
The premise is straightforward: friends on a diving trip, criminals on the same boat, and sharks lurking below. What makes this particularly fascinating is how the film blends two threats—human villains and oceanic predators—without overcomplicating things. It’s a mishmash of tropes we’ve seen before, but the execution is where it stands out. The criminals, led by a delightfully unhinged Antonio Banderas, are far more entertaining than the sharks themselves. And that’s saying something, because Banderas’s performance as a charismatic crime boss is a masterclass in chewing scenery. His twisted logic and unpredictability make him the film’s MVP, a detail that I find especially interesting. It’s rare to see a shark movie where the human antagonist outshines the titular creature, but here, it works.
Characters So Dumb, You Can’t Look Away
One thing that immediately stands out is how utterly clueless the protagonists are. Their decisions are so bafflingly bad that they become a source of dark humor. Take Tatiana, played by Laura Marano, who is written as someone who’s supposed to be skilled but comes across as more lucky than competent. What this really suggests is that the film isn’t asking us to root for these characters—it’s inviting us to laugh at their stupidity. And laugh I did. The acting toes the line between bad and endearing, never dipping into cringe territory. It’s a fine balance, and the film manages it surprisingly well.
Shark Effects: Competent, but Not the Star
Let’s talk about the sharks, because in my opinion, this is where the film’s priorities are most interesting. The shark attacks are quick, not overly gory, and often overshadowed by the human conflict. What many people don’t realize is that this is a deliberate choice. The sharks aren’t the main event; they’re just another obstacle in a series of bad situations. The effects are decent, though I wish there was more practical work involved. Still, the film avoids the mistake of making the sharks overly sentient, which is a refreshing change. They’re just animals doing what animals do—a detail that grounds the film in a weird kind of realism.
The Camp Factor: A Double-Edged Fin
Here’s where Above & Below truly shines: it embraces its campiness without apology. The characters’ lack of awareness about their dire situation adds a layer of humor that’s missing from most shark films these days. If you take a step back and think about it, this is a film where the tension is undercut by how little the characters seem to care about their own survival. It’s not scary, but it’s never boring. This raises a deeper question: do we need shark movies to be scary? Or is it enough for them to be fun? Personally, I’m team fun, and Above & Below delivers on that front.
The Missing Shark Action: A Missed Opportunity?
My biggest gripe with the film is its lack of actual shark action. The sharks feel like an afterthought, which is ironic for a shark movie. The characters treat the criminals as the bigger threat, and the film follows suit. This is where the film’s identity crisis becomes apparent. Is it a crime thriller with sharks, or a shark movie with criminals? I’m conflicted because while I enjoyed the campy tone, I couldn’t shake the feeling that the sharks were underutilized. From my perspective, this is a missed opportunity to lean harder into the genre’s strengths.
Final Thoughts: A B-Movie That Gets the Job Done
Above & Below isn’t a great film, but it’s a great time. It’s the kind of movie you watch with friends, laughing at the absurdity and cheering when characters meet their (often hilarious) demise. What this film does better than most is understand its audience. It’s not trying to be profound or groundbreaking; it’s just trying to entertain. And in that, it succeeds. If you’re looking for a shark movie that doesn’t take itself too seriously, this is it. Just don’t go in expecting Jaws—go in expecting a good time.
A Broader Trend: The State of Shark Cinema
This film also made me reflect on the state of shark movies today. Why is it so hard to make a shark film that’s both fun and competent? Above & Below gets closer than most, but it’s still a reminder of how rare it is to strike that balance. Maybe the problem is that filmmakers are trying too hard to elevate the genre instead of embracing its B-movie roots. If you ask me, there’s nothing wrong with a little silliness—especially when it comes to sharks.
So, is Above & Below worth watching? Absolutely. It’s not perfect, but it’s a blast. And sometimes, that’s all you need.
