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Under Paris
Sous la Seine
2024 102 min France R 16+
★5.7
Action, Horror
Director: Xavier Gens
Trailers
Description
In order to save Paris from an international bloodbath, a grieving scientist is forced to face her tragic past when a giant shark appears in the Seine.
Starring
Bérénice Bejo
Actor
Nassim Lyes
Actor
Léa Léviant
Actor
Key opinion
Under Paris is a divisive eco-horror film that attempts to blend disaster spectacle with serious ecological and political commentary. While some viewers find its unique Parisian setting and bold, bleak finale exhilarating, others criticize the film for its implausible plot, thin character development, and heavy-handed social themes.
| Originality | The film utilizes the unique Parisian Seine setting to provide a fresh visual backdrop that distinguishes it from standard shark-movie tropes. | |
| Ending | The narrative culminates in a daring, open-ended finale that deviates from typical blockbuster resolutions, leaving a lasting impression on the audience. | |
| Screenplay | The screenplay is burdened by heavy-handed ecological and sociopolitical messaging that some find preachy and distracting from the horror elements. | |
| Screenplay | The story is widely criticized for relying on implausible scientific premises and predictable character archetypes, such as the obstinate official and the naive activist. | |
| Acting | Opinions on the lead performances are divided, with some critics appreciating Bérénice Bejo's dedicated effort, while others describe the acting as uneven and uninspired. | |
| Production | Visual quality is a point of contention: some viewers praise the gritty, realistic gore and effective CGI, while others criticize the murky underwater shots and low-budget aesthetic. | |
| Pacing | The pacing is viewed inconsistently, oscillating between praise for a brisk, engaging start and criticism for sluggish stretches that fail to generate enough tension. |