In the realm of shark attack movies, there’s a fine line between the classic terror of “Jaws” and the absurdity of “Sharktopus.” Netflix’s French thriller “Under Paris,” directed by Xavier Gens, dares to straddle this line, offering a unique blend of serious drama and over-the-top action.
Typically, shark attack movies take one of two approaches. The first keeps the sharks in their natural habitat, focusing on character development, plot, and the visceral thrill of underwater danger. The second, more outlandish approach, places sharks in unexpected settings, from city streets to snowy mountains, embracing the absurdity of the premise. “Under Paris” ambitiously attempts to combine both styles.
“Under Paris” stars Bérénice Bejo as Sophia, a marine researcher haunted by a past shark attack that derailed her career. Traumatized and now giving lackluster lectures in Paris, her life takes a dramatic turn when Mika (Léa Léviant), a young environmental activist, contacts her. Mika and her group, SOS (Save Our Seas), are tracking a tagged mako shark named Lilith, which has somehow ended up in the Seine River. Sophia must balance her desire to save the shark with the need to protect unsuspecting Parisians from a deep-sea predator in their midst.
The film’s premise might sound ludicrous, but there’s a kernel of scientific plausibility. Some shark species can navigate freshwater, and recent real-world efforts to clean the Seine for the 2024 Olympics add a touch of realism. However, the film’s tone is where things get tricky. Gens and his co-writers Maud Heywang and Yannick Dahan aim for a serious, character-driven narrative while also delivering the gory thrills expected from a shark attack movie.
Sophia, portrayed by Best Actress Oscar nominee Bérénice Bejo, carries the weight of her past trauma throughout the film. Her unchanging expression of determination and despair anchors the story, even as it veers into more outlandish territory. Léa Léviant’s Mika provides a passionate counterpoint, driven by a mission to protect marine life.
Nassim Lyes plays Sgt. Adil, a member of the River Brigade police force, whose job is to keep the Seine safe from unauthorized divers and kayakers. His disbelief in the shark’s existence and subsequent refusal to rescue it adds tension to the story. His scenes, while sometimes tedious, are crucial in maintaining the film’s sense of urgency and danger.
“Under Paris” touches on themes of climate change, habitat destruction, and the clash between generations. These themes give the film a layer of depth often missing in creature features. The cinematography stands out with its sharp, well-lit visuals, a refreshing change from the often murky look of similar movies.
Despite its serious aspirations, “Under Paris” ultimately gives in to the pulpy, over-the-top action that fans of the genre crave. The latter half of the film is filled with improbable shark attacks and dramatic set pieces, reminiscent of films like “Deep Blue Sea” and “Piranha 3D.” This tonal shift might alienate some viewers, but it also delivers on the promised thrills.
“Under Paris” tries to have it all: drama, thrills, horror, and a message about humanity’s impact on nature. It succeeds in parts but struggles to maintain a consistent tone. The film’s most compelling moments come when it leans into the absurdity of its premise, yet it never fully commits to being a cult classic in the vein of “Sharknado.”
The film’s homage to “Jaws” is unmistakable, especially in scenes where Sophia makes dramatic discoveries during shark autopsies and the inevitable public event threatened by the shark. However, “Under Paris” also draws from more outlandish shark movies, creating a hybrid that doesn’t entirely satisfy either camp.
While the movie’s attempt to balance seriousness with schlock may not work for everyone, it’s sure to find a niche audience. Fans of shark attack movies looking for something different might appreciate the film’s unique approach. However, its mixed execution means it’s likely to be remembered more for its ambition than its success.
Wrapping Up
“Under Paris” is a bold experiment in blending the serious and the absurd within the shark attack genre. While it doesn’t fully succeed, it offers enough thrills and unique moments to make it worth a watch for fans of both serious and outlandish shark movies. As long as there’s an audience for killer-shark tales, filmmakers will continue to explore new ways to bring these primal predators to the screen, and “Under Paris” stands as an intriguing, if imperfect, addition to the genre.
