Shark movies are everywhere, but I’m still curious about Chum. They always bring that thrill of survival against a big, hungry predator. Directed by Jonathan Zuck, this film tries to blend genres, including psychological and survival thrills, but it doesn’t quite hit the mark.
The story focuses on a newlywed couple, Tina (Alice Eve) and Tom (Eric Michael Cole), who are clearly not getting along during their Malta honeymoon. Their issues only become clear later, which makes their initial disconnect a bit confusing. They join friends for a boat ride, including Tina’s annoying sister, Sadie (Elle Haymond).
Unfortunately, the emotional struggles between Tina and Tom feel forced. The acting lacks depth, making it hard to care about their fates. Even someone as familiar as Alice Eve can’t lift the film from mediocrity, and once the shark appears, my investment in their survival had faded.
Zuck includes some gory shark attacks, but the special effects are subpar. It begs the question: where’s the tension like in Stephen Spielberg’s classic Jaws? Less is often more, and that approach would have worked better here, especially with a limited budget. However, Zuck opts for a darker tone rather than the over-the-top style of Sharknado.
Midway, the narrative shifts when a character named Roy (Jim Klock) saves the group after a shark attack. But he has his own agenda, using them as bait to enact revenge on the shark. Even the voiceover he offers at the start and end feels awkward and disconnected.
While the film has its moments, they often come off as rushed and underdeveloped. It runs a brief 87 minutes, but it feels like the storytelling lacks focus.
On the bright side, Mac Fisken’s cinematography captures the beauty of Malta well, especially the earlier scenes. The visuals are clear, unlike some shark films that plunge into murky waters. However, the close-ups of the shark often remind you that it’s all CGI, detracting from the experience.
Overall, while Chum tries to be more than just another shark movie, it falls short of delivering a gripping experience. In a genre crowded with jumps and scares, it’s hard not to feel a little let down.
