When Shark Movies Bite: The Troubled Waters of 'Chum'
The world of shark-infested cinema is a treacherous one, and Chum is the latest victim to sink beneath the waves. This film, set to release on June 5th, 2026, had the potential to be a thrilling ride but instead finds itself drowning in a sea of mediocrity.
A Troubled Plot
The story follows a group of friends and a dysfunctional newlywed couple on a yacht vacation in the Mediterranean. What should be a sun-soaked adventure quickly turns into a bloody battle for survival against a shark and a psychopathic killer. The premise, while not entirely original, could have been a fun twist on the classic shark movie formula.
Personally, I find it intriguing when films attempt to blend genres, and a shark thriller with a serial killer twist could have been a refreshing change. However, Chum fails to deliver on this promise. The plot is riddled with holes, and the characters are so poorly written that it's hard to care about their fate. What makes this particularly frustrating is that the film seems to be aware of its flaws but doesn't bother to address them.
Awkward Performances and AI Missteps
The cast, aside from the recognizable Alice Eve, delivers performances that are more cringe-worthy than compelling. The dialogue is stale, and the character interactions are infuriating. I found myself rooting for the shark early on, which is never a good sign. The dynamic between the newlyweds is especially painful to watch, leaving the audience to wonder why they even bothered to get married.
One thing that immediately stands out is the film's use of AI in post-production. The shark attacks, which should be the heart-pounding highlights, are instead laughable. The combination of real shark footage and AI-generated effects creates a bizarre, floaty aesthetic that takes viewers out of the moment. It's as if the victims are willingly offering themselves to the shark's jaws, which is not the intended effect, I presume.
Editing and Pacing Issues
The editing choices are equally perplexing. Slow-motion sequences are used in the most mundane moments, stretching the runtime and testing the audience's patience. The film struggles to build tension, and the constant shark cutaways become a running joke rather than a source of suspense. The third act, in particular, is a rollercoaster of unintentional comedy, thanks to the over-the-top melodrama and terrible special effects.
A Missed Opportunity
Chum had the potential to be a guilty pleasure, a film so bad it's good. However, it doesn't even achieve that status. The trailer promised a more subtle and thrilling experience, but the final product is a chaotic mess. It's as if the filmmakers tried to emulate the Shark Attack franchise but ended up with a poor man's version of Megalodon.
In my opinion, the problem lies in the lack of respect for the audience's intelligence. Shark movies can be a lot of fun, but they require a delicate balance of suspense, humor, and self-awareness. Chum fails to strike this balance, leaving viewers with a sense of disappointment and a few unintentionally funny moments to cherish.
Swimming in Shallow Waters
This film is a prime example of a missed opportunity. With a better script, more engaging characters, and a refined visual approach, it could have been a memorable addition to the genre. Instead, it joins the ranks of countless B-movies that fail to leave a lasting impression.
What many people don't realize is that shark movies, despite their often campy nature, can offer valuable insights into our fascination with the unknown and our primal fears. Jaws, the undisputed king of shark films, understood this balance, and that's why it remains a classic. Chum, unfortunately, sinks into the depths of forgettable cinema, leaving viewers wishing they had spent their time watching something with a bit more bite.
