The allure of shark movies is undeniable. From the groundbreaking ‘Jaws’ to the latest entries in the sharksploitation subgenre, audiences continue to be captivated by the terror and thrill of these underwater predators. However, finding a truly great shark movie can feel like a long hunt. With the release of Sean Byrne’s ‘Dangerous Animals,’ starring Jai Courtney, the search might just be over. This article explores the elements that make a shark movie truly shine, using ‘Dangerous Animals’ as a prime example of how to deliver both scares and substance.
In this article, we’ll dissect the key components of a successful shark film, from gratuitous shark shots to the necessary degree of camp, and, most importantly, genuine frights. We’ll delve into how ‘Dangerous Animals’ measures up against these criteria, and why it stands out in an overfished landscape of mediocre shark flicks. Join us as we navigate the depths of sharksploitation and discover what makes a truly memorable shark movie experience.
The Importance of Gratuitous Shark Shots
One of the most critical aspects of any shark movie is the presence of gratuitous shark shots. After all, audiences come to these films to see sharks in action, and a movie that fails to deliver on this front is bound to disappoint. However, there’s a delicate balance to strike. Showing too much shark too early can diminish the suspense, while waiting too long can leave viewers bored and disinterested. The key is to build anticipation gradually, teasing the audience with glimpses of the predator before unleashing its full terror.
Films like ‘The Shallows’ starring Blake Lively, understand this balance perfectly. The movie gradually builds to gratuitous shark imagery, acknowledges that a great white swimming in shallow waters is a natural anomaly, and makes great use of its limited-space conceit to deliver on chilling, memorable shark horror.
In contrast, movies like ‘The Meg’ and ‘Meg 2: The Trench’ often fall short in this regard. While they feature giant, prehistoric predators, the films spend too much time on human drama and predictable plotlines, leaving audiences craving more shark action. As the original article states, ‘The people are here for the red water!’
The Necessary Degree of Camp
Another essential element of a great shark movie is the presence of camp – a self-aware, often humorous tone that acknowledges the inherent absurdity of the situation. This doesn’t mean the movie should be a complete parody, but rather that it should embrace its identity as a shark movie and play with the tropes established by classics like ‘Jaws.’
A film must know that any shark movie will be held against the gold standard of “Jaws.” They should play with the tropes Spielberg created, but not actively fight against them; bonus points if the film uses actual, scientific facts about the shark instead of just turning them into a bloodthirsty killing machine, though there is a time and place for that, too.
Consider ‘Under Paris,’ a 2024 shark horror film that takes the camp factor to the extreme. With a shark loose in the Seine and about to breed a ton of baby sharks, the movie revels in its own ridiculousness, delivering a bloodbath that is both vicious and hilarious. The movie is crawling with sharks; check, check, check.
The Importance of Genuine Fright
Ultimately, a great shark movie must be genuinely frightening. While the camp and gratuitous shark shots can be entertaining, they should serve to enhance the overall sense of dread and terror. The film should tap into our primal fear of the unknown, of the creatures lurking beneath the surface, and of the vulnerability of being in their domain.
Even the silliest of movies should be able to get one good scare out of these torpedo-shaped vertebrates. Our fear of sharks is still primal. ‘The Shallows’ succeeds in this area, using its limited setting and realistic shark behavior to create a palpable sense of tension and danger.
A young woman named Zephyr (Hassie Harrison) is taken captive by Courtney’s Bruce, whose name is seemingly a tribute to the one Spielberg and co. gave the animatronic shark in “Jaws.” Bruce is a shark devotee, and as such, is a student of their traits and habits. He knows sharks aren’t inherently dangerous to humans, but keeps the ones around his boat steadily fed, ensuring they’ll expect a snack whenever they’re swimming close to a vessel. Bruce drugs his hostages, rigs them to a crane and films them being lowered into the water, capturing their inevitable demise on tape in horrific snuff films.
‘Dangerous Animals’: A New Hope for Sharksploitation
“Dangerous Animals” arrives hot on the heels of “Under Paris,” boasting major bite. The film is part psycho kidnapping horror, part shark thriller and part tribute to ’s “Ray of Light.” The film is part psycho kidnapping horror, part shark thriller and part tribute to ’s “Ray of Light.” ‘Dangerous Animals’ meets all of the rubric criteria for not just a great shark film, but a fantastic time at the theater during the summer movie season.
The film is part psycho kidnapping horror, part shark thriller. Bryne and screenwriter Nick Lepard turn out such an effective cat-and-mouse game that you’ll forget there’s an even bigger predator waiting just off the starboard side of the boat. ‘Dangerous Animals’ keenly analyzes the weak points in modern sharksploitation, avoiding spots where most films of its ilk stumble. It’s not a perfect movie, and there are a few too many almost-escapes for this connoisseur.
Jai Courtney’s performance adds a layer of intensity to the film, making it a standout in the genre. The film avoids spots where most films of its ilk stumble. It’s not a perfect movie, and there are a few too many almost-escapes for this connoisseur. But ‘Dangerous Animals’ meets all of the rubric criteria for not just a great shark film, but a fantastic time at the theater during the summer movie season.
Final Thoughts: The Hunt Concludes
The quest for a great shark movie is a long and arduous one, filled with chum and mediocrity. However, with films like ‘Dangerous Animals,’ there is hope for the future of sharksploitation. By understanding and embracing the key elements of the genre – gratuitous shark shots, camp, and genuine fright – filmmakers can create truly memorable and terrifying experiences for audiences.
Whether you’re a seasoned shark movie connoisseur or a newcomer to the genre, ‘Dangerous Animals’ is a must-see. It’s a thrilling, suspenseful, and often hilarious ride that will leave you questioning your next dip in the ocean. So, grab your popcorn, settle in, and prepare to be taken on a wild ride that’s sure to make a splash.
Ultimately, the success of ‘Dangerous Animals’ lies in its ability to balance the elements of sharksploitation. It’s a testament to what can be achieved when filmmakers understand and respect the genre, while also pushing its boundaries in new and exciting ways. Maybe going on a sketchy shark swim isn’t as common as simply taking a swim in the ocean. But in this era of shark movies, you have to take the good where you can get it.
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