By: Dylan Tracy
I don’t think I’m the first to admit that the world has had way too many shark related thrillers. So many, that most people don’t pay attention to new fare involving killer sharks due to the notion that it’ll be a “been there, done that” type film experience. I went into the world premiere of 47 Meters Down: Uncaged with the same mindset, and had very low expectations for the film. But let me say, Uncaged far exceeded my expectations beyond what I ever anticipated it would be, possibly becoming my favorite thriller of the year.
Uncaged focuses on Mia (Sophie Nélisse) and Sasha (Corinne Foxx, daughter of Oscar winner Jamie Foxx, in her film debut), two sisters with a strenuous relationship who have recently moved to Mexico with their family for their father’s (John Corbett) archaeological exhibition of an underwater Mayan city. When two of Sasha’s friends Nicole (Sistine Stallone, Oscar winner Sylvester Stallone’s daughter, in her film debut) and Alexa (Brianne Tju) decide to go on an adventure to explore the city, Mia and Sasha tag along for the ride. However, once inside the cavernous ruins, their adventure quickly turns to a fight for survival as they discover the caves are inhabited by great white sharks. With a limited air supply, Mia, Sasha, Nicole, and Alexa must escape the underwater city before they become the shark’s next meal.
Society has become jaded to what is considered “scary” and “thrilling” in films, but Uncaged sets the bar for this genre of film to the next level. It’s no secret that the low budget (around $5 million) 47 Meters Down (released in 2017) cleaned up at the box office, bringing in over $44 million, and Uncaged is sure to do even better than that. Director Johannes Roberts has perfected the art of the shark thriller, bringing eighty-nine minutes of pure anxiety and fear to audiences like they have never experienced before. Corinne Foxx and Sistine Stallone have graduated from Miss Golden Globe to full-fledged big screen actresses, delivering captivating performances and making a place for themselves in Hollywood. This is a film that absolutely must be seen in theaters, as most of the film experience comes from audience members’ reactions. You will find yourself not only jumping out of your seat, (I recommend not having a bag of popcorn in your lap), but also screaming, gasping, and even cheering.
For those who may have the same mindset I had regarding this film, leave all expectations and ideas of what the film may have in store at the door, and get ready for one of the biggest surprises of the summer!
Grade: B+
