Under Paris: A Joyfully Ridiculous Shark Flick That Bites Hard

 Directed by: Xavier Gens  

Starring: Bérénice Bejo, Nassim Lyes, Anne Marivin

**Rating:** ★★★☆☆

Xavier Gens returns with his second stateside release of the year, delivering the delightfully absurd “Under Paris.” Topping the Netflix charts, this film attempts to blend the suspense of Spielberg’s “Jaws” with the over-the-top antics of “Sharknado.” While Gens struggles to balance these influences, the result is a wildly entertaining movie that makes for a perfect summer watch.

Plot Summary:

The premise is wonderfully straightforward: there’s a shark (or sharks) in the Seine. Marine researcher Sophia Assalas (Bérénice Bejo) is on a mission to track down Lilith, a mako shark responsible for her husband’s death. Three years after the tragic incident in the Pacific, Sophia discovers Lilith in the Seine, just as Paris prepares to host a triathlon. The setup is ripe for tension, reminiscent of “Jaws,” with Sophia warning the city about the danger while the mayor (Anne Marivin) downplays the threat to avoid causing a panic.

Characters and Performances:

Bérénice Bejo brings surprising depth to the role of Sophia, imbuing her character with genuine emotion and determination. Nassim Lyes, as the conflicted cop Adil, provides charisma and a believable transformation from skeptic to shark-hunter. Anne Marivin’s portrayal of the stubborn mayor adds a layer of political tension, echoing classic disaster movie tropes.

Visuals and Direction:

Gens employs stylish cinematography and CGI to create a visually engaging, if sometimes overdone, portrayal of Paris under siege. The film shines in its final act, where the promised chaos and carnage are delivered in spades. Gens channels the spirit of Roland Emmerich with large-scale destruction that is both thrilling and absurdly entertaining.

Strengths:

“Under Paris” excels in its straightforward, no-nonsense approach. The film doesn’t waste time overcomplicating its plot or dragging out storytelling. It’s “Jaws” in the Seine, pure and simple, with an ecological message and political commentary that never overshadow the main attraction: sharks and swimmers.

Weaknesses:

The film takes a bit too long to get to the action, and the multiple writers (four are credited) occasionally result in a disjointed narrative. However, these flaws are easily overlooked once the shark-fueled mayhem begins.

Conclusion:

“Under Paris” is a fun, bloody diversion perfect for a summer day. Its blend of suspense, ridiculousness, and spectacular shark attacks makes it a memorable entry in the genre. While it’s not the smartest film out there, its brutal simplicity and willingness to embrace its absurd premise make it a must-watch for shark movie enthusiasts and Netflix binge-watchers alike. With an inevitable sequel on the horizon, fans can look forward to even more preposterous and entertaining shark-filled adventures in the future.