The Shark Movie That Sank Before It Swam: A Commentary on 'Chum' and the State of Cinematic Thrills
There’s something undeniably nostalgic about a good shark movie. It’s a genre that, for better or worse, has become a cultural touchstone. But let’s be honest—since Jaws, the bar has been set so high that every subsequent attempt feels like a pale imitation. Enter Chum, a film that doesn’t just miss the mark; it dives headfirst into the shallow end of cinematic mediocrity. Personally, I think what makes this particularly fascinating is how it manages to fail in ways that are both predictable and utterly baffling.
The Plot: A Recipe for Disaster
On paper, Chum sounds like a decent enough premise: a group of friends, a Mediterranean yacht, a shark, and a psychopathic killer. It’s a mix of Jaws and Speed, with a dash of The Most Dangerous Game. But here’s where it gets interesting—the execution is so disjointed that it feels like the filmmakers were working from three different scripts. What many people don’t realize is that a good thriller relies on tension, not just chaos. Chum opts for the latter, throwing everything at the wall and hoping something sticks. Spoiler: it doesn’t.
Characters You’ll Root Against
One thing that immediately stands out is how unlikable the characters are. The newlywed couple seems to despise each other, and their friends are barely more than cardboard cutouts. From my perspective, this is a cardinal sin in any survival thriller. If I’m not invested in who lives or dies, why should I care? The only saving grace is Alice Eve, who somehow manages to deliver a performance that feels human amidst the chaos. But even she can’t rescue a sinking ship.
AI in the Water: When Technology Becomes the Villain
What makes Chum truly memorable—for all the wrong reasons—is its use of AI in post-production. The shark attacks are a mess of real footage and bizarrely floaty VFX. It’s like watching a child’s imagination come to life, but not in a good way. If you take a step back and think about it, this is a perfect example of how technology can be misused. AI has the potential to revolutionize filmmaking, but in Chum, it feels like a crutch for lazy storytelling.
The Editing: A Masterclass in How Not to Build Tension
The editing choices are another head-scratcher. Random slow-motion shots, unnecessary extended scenes, and a soundtrack that screams “danger!” every time someone dips a toe in the water. In my opinion, this is where the film loses any semblance of subtlety. A good thriller knows when to hold back; Chum never learned that lesson.
The Broader Implications: Are We Running Out of Original Ideas?
This raises a deeper question: why do we keep making shark movies that fail to innovate? Is it nostalgia? Laziness? Or a genuine belief that audiences will settle for anything with fins and teeth? What this really suggests is that the genre is stuck in a creative rut. Personally, I’d love to see a shark movie that takes risks—something that explores the psychological or ecological aspects of these creatures, rather than just throwing them at the screen as mindless killing machines.
The Silver Lining: So Bad It’s Good?
Here’s the thing: Chum is undeniably bad. But there’s a certain charm to its incompetence. It’s the kind of movie that’s perfect for a late-night watch with friends, where the goal is to laugh at it rather than with it. What makes this particularly fascinating is how it inadvertently becomes a commentary on the state of modern B-movies. In a world where streaming platforms are flooded with content, films like Chum stand out—not for their quality, but for their sheer audacity.
Final Thoughts: A Missed Opportunity
Chum had the potential to be something more. With a better script, tighter editing, and a more thoughtful approach to its use of technology, it could have been a decent addition to the shark movie canon. Instead, it’s a cautionary tale about what happens when filmmakers prioritize spectacle over substance. If you’re looking for a serious thriller, steer clear. But if you’re in the mood for a laughably bad time, Chum might just be the movie for you.
In the end, Chum isn’t just a bad shark movie—it’s a reminder of what happens when creativity takes a backseat to convenience. And that, in my opinion, is the real tragedy.
