Director Johannes Roberts follows up his 2017 shark flick 47 Meters Down (two girls, one cage) with 47 Meters Down: Uncaged. Is there enough suspense and titillation to make it worth a deep dive? The sharksploitation adventure may tread water at times but doesn’t sink.
When a group of teenagers commandeers some diving gear to explore a sunken Mayan city, they unexpectedly wind up in a murky nightmare. Submerged ages ago by “rising sea levels,” according to one of our main characters, the ruins are only accessible through a labyrinth of shark-infested caves.
One has to wonder if the oceanic reference is just a dry and poorly executed commentary on climate change. If so, then shame on those Mayans for not being more careful about their carbon emissions!
No matter what’s happening around them, or in what movie, sharks are always scary. And though Uncaged is no Jaws, it poses no exception to the rule.
While the plot too often settles for cheap jump scares to move things along, you may be surprised at how the shadowy deep plays on your senses. When the lights go out (as they often do), the inky waters become black gulfs of infinity, inviting your imagination to wonder what terrors lie in that aquatic cosmos. It’s almost Lovecraftian — but not quite.
Summer’s almost over, so check this one out if you’re in the mood for bikini-romping shark fodder.
Before you comment
The comments section is here to provide a platform for civil dialogue on the issues we face together as a local community. Xpress is committed to offering this platform for all voices, but when the tone of the discussion gets nasty or strays off topic, we believe many people choose not to participate. Xpress editors are determined to moderate comments to ensure a constructive interchange is maintained. All comments judged not to be in keeping with the spirit of civil discourse will be removed and repeat violators will be banned. See here for our terms of service. Thank you for being part of this effort to promote respectful discussion.