After the Bite (2023) Documentary Movie Review

While the movie delves into timeless themes, it zeroes in on a 2018 tragedy: the fatal shark attack on Arthur Medici in Wellfleet, Massachusetts. This incident prompted diverse reactions—some sought coexistence, like scientists studying shark behavior, while others blamed bad infrastructure and a booming seal population.

"After the Bite" doesn't overly dramatize these conflicting views but captivates with its observant approach. The documentary introduces characters like Suzy, a lifeguard haunted by shark attack nightmares, and John, a worried father from Wellfleet. It offers diverse perspectives on a problem where human safety takes a backseat in an ecosystem.

The film provides plenty of food for thought, magnifying the issue through different points of view. It's an accessible exploration of the complex relationship between humans and sharks, making you rethink our place in the natural order.

In "After the Bite," the filmmaker, Ivy Meeropol, doesn't just rely on interviews to tell the story. She uses footage of people's daily lives, like Suzy driving to work or fishermen discussing the impact of global warming on sharks and their livelihood. The film even gives us a peek into a seal's perspective as a fisherman tosses chum into the water, with the camera getting bumped around by curious noses and whiskers. Meeropol's approach is unique—she treats animals as equals.

The documentary zooms in on different aspects of the community affected by the shark surge, showing how fear has polarized them. While "After the Bite" provides more shark information than the classic "Jaws," it creates its own thrilling moments. One standout scene features a close-up view of a massive great white shark nibbling on a whale carcass, evoking awe and fear as it swims past boats.

Meeropol's editing style shifts between various tones, showcasing the beach culture's dual nature—bringing joy through events like a shark-themed burlesque in Provincetown and fear in moments like Suzy and her crew spotting what they think is a fin in the water. The documentary goes beyond highlighting the problem; it captures the essence of the community and how it grapples with the shark issue.

The film introduces us to individuals who have long been preoccupied with this concern, like surfer Dana, who humorously runs the beach parking gate barefoot. He emphasizes the need for humility in the face of nature, paddling away from the beach without relying on manmade safety measures. "After the Bite" not only explores a pressing issue but also reveals the lives of those deeply affected by it, creating a documentary that balances both concern and the vibrancy of the community.