Nerds That Geek Movie Review – ‘The Reef: Stalked’

Written by John Edward Betancourt

Caution: This article contains spoilers for the motion picture, ‘The Reef: Stalked’. Also, this article contains discussions regarding domestic violence and abuse, which may be triggering to some individuals.
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Mankind truly believes… that it is the master of all of its domains. From a more global standpoint, that means we have little doubt that we are the true masters of Planet Earth and all of its wildlife and its future, since we have in essence tamed the planet and dominate it. But this belief really does extend to our everyday lives as well. For we are bold creatures that harbor free will and have created a world where it is possible to chase whatever career path we want, find what makes us happy and influence others through either positive or negative means. So, it makes perfect sense as to why humanity holds to this belief and celebrates it often, because we have indeed accomplished wonders and seized the day. But while it is wonderful to think about what humanity has accomplished and how in control we really are, what’s funny about life and the world… is that we are in fact, only masters over a small domain.
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Because while we have domesticated the planet and put our cities on its surface, mother nature has no problem reminding us from to time that she is actually in charge of all of us, and she is quick to damage those cities or use alternate methods, to hammer home the reality she is stronger and stronger willed than all of us, and for proof… well… don’t forget that we all had to live indoors for a better part of a year because of her fine work. Not to mention, our more intimate lives are sometimes thrown into chaos by the wills of others, despite believing we have control over them and well… this unfortunate truth about the world and life… can put us in a tailspin and leave us in rattled place. Where we simply don’t know what to do with ourselves and well, it just so happens that how we handle such matters, is explored in great detail in the brand-new Shudder feature, The Reef: Stalked.

A feat that this film accomplishes, by putting one particular character through quite the trying time in her life. For when we catch up with Nic in this motion picture, she has some serious worries about her sister Cath on her mind and rightfully so. For Cath’s boyfriend is walking human trash and quite abusive in nature, to the point where one day he snaps and commits the ultimate crime. A reality that puts Nic into a dark place, wherein she disappears for nine months before coming back to the world to meet her other sister and old friends to an island getaway. A place that Cath was hoping to visit, making this adventure a tribute to her. But alas, this will not be a good time to reflect or heal, for in the waters of their chosen tropical paradise is a great white shark that is eager to test its skills as a hunter and these four ladies… have become its chosen targets.

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Which is a plot that perfectly encapsulates the central theme of this story. For Nic is someone that really does think she is in complete control at all minutes of the day and can influence and control situations as they head her way. But the arrival of that shark and the horrors that were inflicted upon her sister, prove to her that she has no complete control in life and that does send her into a tailspin. One where she desperately grasps at straws for control when the shark begins to hunt them, and where she is unable to reconcile the past because she feels as though she failed somehow. Which allows for the movie to explore in great detail, the fact that we have to accept that we are not in complete control at all times, and that the universe will test us in awful ways. Which means if we want to survive its chaotic onslaught, we have to accept the moment, adapt and react accordingly, and take time to heal from the fallout when the chaos passes.
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That is a message that is quite relevant for certain, since it applies to so many of us in the world right now. But while it is wonderful to find some uplifting commentary on life and the struggles we face, make no mistake about it… this is a shark-themed horror movie, and it delivers on the scares. For that giant and hungry rascal of a shark, will stop at nothing to claim a meal and it goes to great lengths to make that happens and that leads to the quality terror. Since it uses its brute force and size to flip over kayaks and boats and even floating docks to get at food and well, the sheer shock of how quickly it commits those acts is what unsettles you, as does some of the stunning special effects and editing work here. Since there are moments where the perfect combination of computer graphics, stock shark footage and footage shot in the water, come together to really make it seem as though we are witnessing the danger in real time. 

If anything, this is simply a magnificent horror film when all is said and done, simply because it features something for every horror fan out there. Because there are impactful blood and guts here for the gorehound in our lives, plus the scares are perfectly timed and impactful for the person that just loves to jump and scream and of course… for those who love a little depth and meaning to go with their horror, that’s here, courtesy of Nic’s journey. Which makes this a must-see for certain, since you can never go wrong with a horror flick that works to cater to everyone. Plus, shark-themed movies in this vein are always a treat since killer sharks are a staple of the genre in this day and age, and the best news of all, is that you can see this stunning shark flick right now in the manner you love best. For The Reef: Stalked is in select theaters and it is available to stream on Shudder.

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