Into The Deep, A Flawed Shark Thriller 25/01/2025

Introduction

Few films can genuinely capture the magic and tension that Jaws unleashed over fifty years ago. Now, with the release of Into the Deep, audiences are treated to a surprising return to form for Richard Dreyfuss, who takes on the role of Seamus, a character that echoes the wisdom of his past. This movie promises a dive into both the thrilling and perilous aspects of the ocean, but does it manage to recapture the spirit of its predecessors, or does it merely flounder in shallow waters? Join me as we explore the depths of this latest entry into the shark genre and unravel the suspense and shortcomings of Into the Deep.

Into the Deep

Modern day pirates on the hunt for sunken drugs kidnap a boat of tourists and force them to dive into shark infested waters to retrieve the contraband.

Director: Christian Sesma
Writers: Chad Law, Josh Ridgway
Stars: Scout Taylor-Compton, Richard Dreyfuss, Stuart Townsend, Jon Seda, Callum McGowan

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In the category of shark movie stunt casting, Into the Deep may have bagged the great white whale. Because for the first time since Jaws set the standard fifty years ago, Richard Dreyfuss is sharkin’ again (note: piranha movies don’t count).

Well, he’s not actively sharkin’, as Dreyfuss plays Seamus, whom we mainly see schooling his granddaughter Cassidy on how important it is to respect the ocean and everything in it.

“It’s their kingdom. You’re a guest.”

Young Cassidy (Quinn P. Hensley) learns that the hard way when a shark attack kills her father. Years later, adult Cassidy (Scout Taylor-Compton) is an oceanographer still haunted by the nightmares of her father’s death, but willing to put fears aside for a pleasure trip with her new husband, Gregg (Callum McGowan).

Old friend “Benz” (Stuart Townsend) runs a weathered charter boat on the coastline, so Cass and Gregg agree to join another couple for some wreck diving. But before you can bid adieu to some fair Spanish ladies, both sharks and pirates come cruising.

The evil – I mean c’mon, look at the scar on his face! – Jordan Devane (Jon Seda) and his gang of former Navy SEALs hijack Benz’s boat, forcing the tourists to dive the shark-infested waters and retrieve their stash of drugs waiting below.

The movie’s tagline is the shameless “under water no one can hear you scream,”

which immediately sets a low bar of expectations that director Christian Sesma manages to hit. Flashbacks are juggled awkwardly enough to kneecap any sort of tension, and while the CGI sharks work well enough in dream sequences, the actual attack set pieces are embarrassingly weak. Screenwriters Chad Law and Josh Ridgeway provide plenty of Scooby-Doo-style exposition that anyone not named Richard can’t come close to elevating.

It is, of course, a nostalgic treat to see Dreyfuss at least near troubled waters again, even though you can’t help but wonder why he agreed. The answer comes with the extended message on shark conservation he delivers over the closing credits.

Fair enough. At least no real ones died for this bloody mess.

Into the Deep is on digital platforms from 27 January and on DVD and Blu-ray from 3 February.

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