The Shallows (2016)
Starring Blake Lively
Directed by Jaume Collet-Serra
In my mind, Blake Lively came to prominence via MTV's
Laguna Beach and its various fake-reality iterations. I never watched an episode, but if I had I would know that Lively never was on those shows acting like some pompous self-centered egotist. No, she became well known for tv's
Gossip Girl, another show with which I have no history, but for some reason find myself assuming is
Laguna Beach whenever I hear Lively's name. I mention this only because my totally false impressions of Blake Lively caused me to scoff at the concept of
The Shallows which is essentially a one-woman show about how a med student's surfing trip to Mexico turns horrific when she encounters a vicious shark. However, following her role in
The Age of Adeline (an underrated movie, FYI), Lively proves to be a innately watchable actress who takes control of the screen in a very understated, though believable way.
The Shallows is very simplistic -- it really is just the story of one woman against a shark -- but it's oddly compelling and tense at times thanks to the direction of Jaume Collet-Serra who keeps the film brisk, not overstaying its welcome. Sure, there are moments that may seem implausible, but in this genre, you either have to accept it or not and this film garnered enough good will that I was willing to buy in to its plot. Overall, color me surprised that this one was as enjoyable as it was. It's a nice little sleeper flick if you're looking for a quick watch some rainy afternoon.
The RyMickey Rating: B
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