Something in the Water

"Something in the water" looked different enough from all the other shark movies we've had in the past. Its a British "open water" with more characters. So in some ways was more interesting and could do more. But does it sink or swim? Unfortunately it sinks.

The movies just not very good. Most of the characters are more annoying than the screamy girl from "Jaws 2," and there are alot of unlikely things said or done in the movie. The order of deaths and when they happen is also mostly predictable.

But there are a couple of decent moments in there, and the CGI is used sparingly. But this is probably because its bad when it starts to get used more toward the end.

Ridiculous premise from the outset.

It is like an Enid Blyton novel, 'Five Diverse Babes Go lesbian Relationship Counselling At Sea'. What could possibly go wrong?

Obviously, the film is low budget and in this case, it shows.

The direction is basic. The script divests you of feeling for the protagonists whose characterisation is quite two dimensional.. The plot is ridiculous and written with stupid characters making stupid decisions and written by people who have no idea about shark behaviour.

Although I did say it was low budget there are some drone and cityscape establishing shots but I have no idea what relevance they have to the main part of the story.

'I can't pee, if you are looking at me'.......they are all stranded in the water at sea. Laugh out loud funny. Very nearly 'Showgirls, so bad it's good' bad.

Surly if your a film maker you would have watched other films of this ilk. Either because you like those sort of movies and it inspired you to try something different or you've done some research by watching or reading stories about being stranded with sharks. But alas it's the same old trope.

To be honest, it's fairly limited using this sub-genre. But with some clever thinking you could add some twists or tricks and you could make it a bit more interesting. For example they did have some basic equipment that they could have used in a clever way, but it is quickly forgotten and never mentioned or used again.

The research on the behaviour of sharks is wholly inadequate and inaccurate. Again, with a bit of thinking you could have applied real world experiences and observations in to the story, but nothing.

This movie ended up being a bit of a.

Something in the Water is a new thriller directed by Hayley Easton Street, who makes her real directorial debut with this film after some short films.

Before a wedding, the bride's group of friends decide to take a boat trip before the wedding. When one of the friends is bitten by a hair while swimming, the friends rush back to the boat.

Due to the panic that has arisen, they hit a rock during the return trip, which causes the boat to sink and the five of them end up in the open water with a dangerous shark lurking.

This film is being sold as a mix between the films Jaws and Bridesmaids, only without the talent behind these films. Due to the poorer script and direction, you don't really care about most of the characters during the film. The more novice actresses receive little or no guidance.

When the characters are also stupid because of the weak script. Or making separate decisions only makes you care less about them. You almost hope that the shark catches them quickly, so that the film can end earlier.

After an unprovoked attack, a couple split, their friends try to bring the couple to their senses, by leaving them on an island, but their good intentions turn to horror, as they find themselves stranded in shark infested waters.

I keep on hoping for a good shark movie, but it seems as though they're few and far between. This one isn't as ridiculous as Ghost Shark or Shark side of the moon, it takes itself a little more seriously, but it's still a little nonsensical.

There's nothing new here, we have genuinely seen it all a tonne of times before, but I can't say it's bad or unwatchable, it just lacks tension and excitement.

It looks nice, some really great location work, the sharks look decent, even if they're behaving in a somewhat odd manner.

The characters, though well acted are a little irritating, so don't be surprised if you find yourself rooting for team shark.

5/10.