Under Paris: The Summer’s Must-See Shark Thriller
7 June 2024 – Nicholas Barber
In an unexpected turn of events, Netflix’s latest low-budget thriller, Under Paris, is taking the streaming platform by storm. Set against the enchanting backdrop of France’s capital, this eco-horror film features a terrifying man-eating mutant shark named Lilith, and is proving to be an engaging alternative to the high-budget American blockbusters struggling to draw audiences this summer.
While Hollywood churns out big-budget productions like The Fall Guy and Furiosa, viewers are captivated by the gripping narrative of a mutant shark lurking in the Seine River. The film has quickly ascended to the top of Netflix’s charts, overtaking recent hits like Godzilla Minus One.
Cultural Shift: Small Films Making Big Waves
The unprecedented success of Under Paris mirrors that of last year’s Godzilla Minus One, a Japanese film that broke traditional norms with its modest budget yet managed to secure an Academy Award for its stellar visual effects. Critics noted that the film’s straightforward storytelling resonated with audiences tired of convoluted superhero sagas.
Unlike its acclaimed predecessor, however, Under Paris offers a more pulpy experience. Viewers may find its low-budget aesthetic and special effects reminiscent of TV productions rather than cinematic releases. Yet even with these limitations, the Parisian scenery significantly enhances its visual appeal.
Visual and Thematic Depth
Director Xavier Gens has skillfully crafted a taut eco-thriller that doesn’t give the audience a chance to breathe. The film stars Bérénice Bejo as Sophia, an oceanographer on a mission to track sharks affected by pollution. In a gripping opening sequence, the audience witnesses Lilith grow from a mere 2.5 meters to a staggering 7 meters in a few short months, prompting Sophia and a resilient river cop, Adil (Nassim Lyes), to confront the monstrous beast.
Environmental themes ripple through the storyline, showcasing the consequences of human actions on marine life. A notable critique of a complacent government comes from Paris’s mayor, played by Anne Marivin, who prioritizes public image over safety while the world’s attention turns to an impending triathlon in the city.
Blockbuster Comparisons and Nostalgic Influences
As the film builds suspense towards its dramatic conclusion, viewers are reminded of Jaws, a classic that first set the standard for summer blockbusters nearly five decades ago. The strategic inclusion of the triathlon foreshadows high-stakes drama, as swimmers face off against the lurking danger of Lilith in a shark-infested river.
In a landscape dominated by superhero franchises and extravagant special effects, Under Paris serves as a reminder of storytelling’s importance in cinema. Studio executives in the United States might benefit from reflecting on past successes that prioritized engaging narratives over excessive expenditure on digital effects.
Film Highlights
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Film Title | Under Paris |
| Director | Xavier Gens |
| Main Cast | Bérénice Bejo, Nassim Lyes |
| Setting | Seine River, Paris |
| Key Theme | Environmental impact and public safety |
As the summer blockbuster season unfolds, it seems that the flexibility to adapt and innovate could be key lessons for filmmakers in Hollywood. With fresh approaches like those seen in Under Paris, there may yet be hope for a return to engaging storytelling in the film industry.
