Nerds That Geek Movie Review: ‘Great White’

Written by John Edward Betancourt

Caution: This article contains spoilers for the motion picture, ‘Great White’.
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The summer of 1975 was a special one for the horror genre. For this is when Universal Studios released a shark-themed horror film in theaters, one that was helmed by an up-and-coming director named Steven Spielberg and well… the genre was never the same. For Jaws was a huge box office hit, one that some could debate, helped to begin the long journey that would eventually make horror the mainstream juggernaut that it is today, and it doesn’t hurt that the movie is also a top-notch horror flick. Since the tale of a great white shark tormenting an island community plucked upon fears that we didn’t know we harbored. But what truly matters most about this iconic motion picture, is its impact upon the genre for years to come.
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Because this is a movie that inspired generations of filmmakers and it helped to create a subgenre of horror that filmmakers wanted to take part in. Which is why shark themed horror films have been popping up for decades on end, because creative minds are eager to explore the horrors that accompany nature gone wild. But while there is plenty to celebrate about the shark-themed movie, there is also plenty to lament. Since a great deal of the movies that populate the genre now, are gimmicky, in an attempt to chase such movies as Sharknado. Which isn’t a bad thing since Sharknado offered up its own fresh take. But that’s just it. Audiences expect this subgenre to either continue to evolve or remind us of why we love it, and as it turns out, there are still filmmakers out there looking to preserve the purity of the shark film, as evidenced by the latest Shudder release, Great White.

Now in this particular film, we are introduced to a loving couple named Kaz and Charlie and they are in a bit of a bind. Because their airplane charter company isn’t doing that great business wise and the couple is hoping for a big score to enjoy a little breathing room and they get it, by way of a lucrative charter from a couple named Michelle and Joji. Who wish to be flown to a deserted island to spread the ashes of Michelle’s grandfather, who was once stranded on that very island, and while it seems as though this charter is going to go off without a hitch, a scary discovery changes the tone of this adventure. For the body of the victim of a shark attack is on this island, and the right thing to do is to find the woman he was with, since they discover pictures of his girlfriend on his phone. But alas, the hunt to save the girlfriend in question ends in disaster when a great white shark attacks and destroys their plane, putting this group in a precarious fight for survival, one where they have to use the current to find their way home, before the shark hunting them, figures out a way to sink their life raft.

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Which is a plot that at first glance, appears to be nothing more than the standard sharky fare that is out there right now. Since a shark hunting people is nothing new, nor are people working to survive a shark attack. But what truly separates this film from the rest of the shiver, is that it returns to the genre’s roots. First, by taking the time to explore the raw fear that we experience when nature decides to just do its thing and it pulls off that particular feat by setting the majority of this film aboard the life raft. Wherein the group is forced to face their fears and their worries while the shark swims silently beneath them, waiting for an opportunity, and that leads to some powerful moments. The kind that reminds us that our fear of the unknown is strong and transformative, to the point where it makes us do foolish things.
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But while that makes for some unsettling moments for certain, where this movie truly shines, is by way of the villainous shark itself. Because in a true tribute to Bruce and his days of hunting the Orca, this sharky is a smart one. One that genuinely works out the situation at hand in order to obtain the meat it so desperately craves. Which allows for this monster fish to use guile to fool the characters into making incredibly bad decisions and that allows for some genuine surprises and jump scares to take place, and it also allows for a bevy of homages to the Jaws franchise to unfold as well, including quite a few to Jaws: The Revenge, the kind that improve upon some of the more dubious choices present in that motion picture. But most important of all, the cunning present in this shark’s mind, brings about some excellent and gory kills, the kind that are as savage as they come.

If anything, it’s best to just declare this shark-themed movie as nothing more than a quality emotional ride. Because we are treated to a straightforward tale of terror here. One that really does remind us of the fact that mother nature is always the one in control and all we can do when she decides to let loose, is get out of her way and hope for the best and well, this movie really does deserve a round of applause. Because it doesn’t try to outthink itself or inject some kind of powerful twist to wow us. It’s just a shark movie, in the raw, and it sticks to what makes this subgenre so great and it definitely entertains you and engages you. So, if you’re looking for a straightforward horror film that you can lose yourself within for an hour and a half, swing by Shudder when you have a chance and give Great White a look. You’ll be glad you did.  

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