Sharks, blood, and promised jump scares convene inSomething in the Water,which has been dubbed as a comedy thriller. But the laughs never fully rise to the surface, and the thrills never make a huge splash. However, much to our surprise, this watered-downJawsmeetsBridesmaidsdoes pack enough surprises, keeping it afloat and worthy, perhaps, of some escapist fun.
Directed by Hayley Easton Street and written by Cat Clarke, the story revolves around a dream destination wedding gone horribly awry. Five friends arrive in the tropics to attend the wedding of their dear friend,Lizzie (Lauren Lyle ofOutlander). Before the wedding, Cam (Nicole Rieko Setsuko), Ruth (Ellouise Shakespeare-Hart), and Izzie lure Meg (Hiftu Quasem) and her former partner Kayla (Natalie Mitson) out for a girls' day on the water. The plot is designed to get the women chatting again as they had previously broken up after a deeply traumatic that still haunts them. One mysterious shark attack later changes everything. It’s all about survival after that.
Beginning With a Fine Premise
Something in the Water
Ruth is the first one to draw blood. Lots of it. But the women are determined to get back to safer shores. Twists of fate collide with stupidity and, well, these gals put themselves deeper into danger. Director Hayley Easton Street does an effective job at sea, giving the film a needed sense of danger and urgency. Cat Clarke’s script dives deeper intothe psychological natureof these relationships, turning the tale into more about how five very different people will manage to unite and work together to survive.
That take gives the film something to play off, tossing some humor into the mix as various characters either overreact to their situation or confront the sheer absurdity of how they wound up stranded in the ocean while an ominous shark swims around — somewhere. One shark eventually turns into several, which amplifies the terror. The premise works, however, the film suffers from indecision about which direction it really wants to go.
Issues with Balancing Thrills and Humor
The creative backstory ofSomething in the Wateris intriguing. Director Hayley Easton Street was an art director forStar Wars: Episode VII - The Force Awakens, Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them,andZack Snyder’s Justice League.That lends the film a sharp eye and a stylistic way to capture the ocean setting and some of the shark encounters with the trim budget allowed.
Meanwhile, screenwriter Cat Clarke, who penned seven best-selling YA novels, is known for capturing both humor and darkness. She reportedly wanted to write a shark movie that would make audiences cry — for both the humans involved and the sharks going after them. Ultimately, that touches on a greater environmental dilemma as more humans now frolic in what used to be pristine ocean waters. Sharks are predators. Humans entertheirterritory. There’s more than a hint of stewardship, too: Shouldn’t we all be a bit more aware or concerned about ocean life at this point?
Yet, humor and darkness do emerge inSomething in the Water,but not nearly enough. It’s clear both the director and screenwriter may have been a tad conservative in their approach, not willing to push beyond a kind of creative safety net. This is understandable considering today’s audiences tend to bark if things are too extreme or not extreme enough.
Why We Need More Ocean Movies (That Aren’t About Sharks)
Shark films have finally “jumped the shark,” and it’s about time we focus on different movies about the sea.
However, Clark, who wrote episodes forGood OmensandTen Percent,gives audiences just enough pep in the interactions between the women in the film. Lauren Lyle (Outlander, Karen Pirie) gets the most humor as spoiled bride Lizzie. Nicole Rieko Setsuko’s Cam doles out some serious spunk. At one point, after several of the women have been floating in the water far too long, her character becomes so kick-ass fun when the predator comes at her that the film, well, jumps its own shark, as it were.
Why the Film Needs More Thrills
Collectively, the cast is appealing. The core dilemma facing Meg and Kayla must be resolved at some point. Or so we’re led to believe. The filmopens with a traumatic eventthe two endured and, to its credit, the filmmakers handle that story arc in a believable way. It’s just that the movie, like so many other thrillers being mass-produced today, lacks something else. Surprisingly, here, it’s not depth. The characters are fully formed (enough). The dilemma lies in a combination of editing and turning up the dial on the action and thrills.
Best Movies to Watch During Shark Week
Are you looking to sink your teeth into some great films? Here are the best movies to watch during Shark Week.
Still,Something in the Wateris fine for a 90-minute date night film or outing with friends. It does the trick. It’s not inFallor47 Meters Down,two movies that had enough creative problems of their own but seemed to grab audiences. This film will get your blood pumping, increase your heart rate, and make you tense up (here and there). That’s enough of a reason to head to the theater. Dive in.Something in the Water is playing in theaters. Watch the trailer below.
