"Under Paris" delves into the universal theme of confronting one's past to forge a path forward. The film's protagonist, Sophia Assalas, a grieving marine biologist, epitomizes this struggle as she faces a monstrous threat to save Paris. This narrative resonates with many of us who grapple with past traumas while striving to protect and improve our present lives. In Sophia's case, her confrontation is literal and terrifying—a giant shark in the Seine—but it symbolizes the inner battles many face, making her journey relatable on a deeply emotional level.
"Under Paris" (French: Sous la Seine) premiered on June 3, 2024, on Netflix. Directed by Xavier Gens, the film features a stellar cast led by Bérénice Bejo. Co-written by Gens alongside Yannick Dahan, Maud Heywang, and Yaël Langmann, this French action-horror disaster film blends environmental concerns with thrilling horror elements. With a budget of €19.6 million, the film had high production values and garnered mixed-to-positive reviews upon its release, drawing comparisons to classic shark movies like "Jaws."
The film begins with marine researcher Sophia Assalas and her team near the Great Pacific garbage patch, searching for Lilith, a tagged shortfin mako shark. During their expedition, Sophia's husband Chris and his dive team encounter Lilith, who has grown significantly larger and seemingly non-aggressive. However, when Chris attempts to take a blood sample, Lilith turns deadly, killing Chris and the rest of the dive team. Sophia, in her attempt to confront Lilith, gets entangled in a net, suffers injuries due to pressure changes, and narrowly escapes with her life.
Three years later, Sophia is working at an aquarium in Paris, trying to move on from the past. Environmentalist Mika informs her that Lilith's tracking beacon is active, showing the shark's unexpected journey from the Pacific to the Seine, where it is now trapped. A series of shark attacks in Paris prompts police diver Adil to recruit Sophia to find and eliminate the threat. Despite political resistance and public fear, they navigate the city's catacombs to track down Lilith, encountering Mika and her supporters who aim to rescue rather than kill the shark.
As tensions rise, Mika's attempts to lure Lilith result in a chaotic and deadly encounter in the catacombs. Lilith, accompanied by a mutated juvenile shark, wreaks havoc, leading to numerous deaths, including Mika's and her girlfriend Ben's. The discovery of the juvenile shark's adaptation to fresh water and its parthenogenesis highlights the potential for a more significant threat. Despite the Mayor's refusal to cancel a major triathlon, Sophia and Adil plan a final showdown with Lilith, culminating in a devastating series of explosions and a catastrophic flood that submerges central Paris.
"Under Paris" stands out by blending disaster and horror elements with a strong environmental message. Unlike typical shark attack films that focus solely on fear and gore, this movie intertwines ecological concerns and scientific curiosity, giving depth to its narrative. The unique setting of Paris, with its historical landmarks and iconic river, provides a fresh backdrop, differentiating it from the usual tropical or coastal locations of similar films. The film's integration of modern environmental issues with classic horror tropes makes it both thought-provoking and thrilling.
Critics have given "Under Paris" mixed-to-positive reviews. On Rotten Tomatoes, it holds a 65% approval rating, with reviewers praising its blend of environmental themes and thrilling action. Metacritic's score of 57 out of 100 indicates a more varied reception, reflecting the film's ambitious but sometimes polarizing execution. While some critics appreciated the fresh take on the shark genre and the high-stakes drama, others felt the film occasionally veered into the realm of the absurd. Nonetheless, its unique premise and strong performances, particularly by Bérénice Bejo, have been highlighted as significant strengths.
Produced on a €19.6 million budget, "Under Paris" saw a robust release on Netflix, reaching a wide international audience. Despite its mixed reviews, the film garnered attention for its bold narrative and environmental commentary. In conclusion, "Under Paris" is a noteworthy addition to the disaster-horror genre, offering a compelling blend of action, horror, and ecological awareness. Its vivid depiction of a city's struggle against a formidable natural threat, intertwined with personal redemption, ensures it will leave a lasting impression on viewers.
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