In the realm of shark-themed cinema, where the waters are often murky with mediocrity, 'Above & Below' emerges as a refreshing breath of air. This 2026 film, as the review suggests, attempts to subvert the typical formula by placing the focus on the threats of criminals lurking above and sharks lurking below, creating a unique dynamic that adds a layer of intrigue to the genre.
The premise is simple: a group of friends embarks on a dream vacation, a shark diving excursion, only to find themselves sharing the boat with a group of criminals. The tension builds as the friends become entangled in a web of criminal activity, forced to retrieve something for the criminals in the treacherous shark-infested waters. While the plot may seem familiar, the execution is where 'Above & Below' shines, offering a delightful twist on the classic shark movie formula.
One of the most intriguing aspects of this film is the portrayal of the characters' stupidity. The review highlights how their poor decision-making provides a significant portion of the humor. The actors, including Laura Marano and Antonio Banderas, deliver performances that are just on the cusp of being cringeworthy, yet they manage to maintain a level of believability. Banderas, in particular, shines as the charismatic crime boss, Burns, with his distorted criminal perspective providing a lot of the humor. His performance is so compelling that it makes one wish for more villainous roles for the actor.
The special effects in 'Above & Below' are also a highlight, with the sharks being handled competently and hidden amongst the darkness of the ocean. While the reviewer wishes for a more practical element, the sharks are not given too much sentience, appearing mostly food-motivated. The gunshots, however, are more prevalent and graphic, adding a layer of realism to the film's tension.
However, the review also points out a significant shortcoming: the lack of actual shark action. The sharks are treated as obstacles rather than the main threat, and the characters don't seem to treat them with the same urgency as the criminals. This is a disappointment, as the film could have benefited from more shark-centric thrills.
Despite this, 'Above & Below' manages to be entertaining, embracing the silliness of the premise and the characters' lack of understanding of their situation. The tension is cut by the fact that the characters are not worth rooting for, making it a 'cheer when this person dies' type of film. The review concludes by stating that while it's not a great film, it's the kind of B-movie entertainment that fans of ocean monster cinema would appreciate.
In my opinion, 'Above & Below' is a breath of fresh air in the shark movie genre. It successfully subverts expectations, offering a unique blend of humor and tension. While it may not be a masterpiece, it's a fun and entertaining ride, especially for those who enjoy a good dose of campy, shark-infested action.
