The latest entry into the crowded shark movie genre, "Chum," seems to have missed the memo on what makes these films engaging, opting instead for a baffling blend of human drama and questionable special effects. Personally, I find it disheartening when a genre that has given us classics like "Jaws" devolves into what feels like a "B-movie" lottery, and "Chum" unfortunately lands on the wrong side of that spectrum.
A Muddled Premise
At its core, "Chum" presents a scenario that, on paper, could be a tense survival thriller: a newlywed couple on a Mediterranean yacht trip finds themselves caught between a man-eating shark and a psychopathic killer. What makes this particularly fascinating, and frankly, frustrating, is how the film seems to squander this potential. Instead of building suspense, it introduces characters so insufferable that I found myself, regrettably, rooting for the shark. The dynamics between the newlyweds and their friends are, in my opinion, so poorly conceived that they detract from any sense of genuine peril. It's a strange narrative choice when the audience's primary emotional response is annoyance rather than fear.
The AI Slop Effect
One thing that immediately stands out, and not in a good way, is the film's heavy reliance on what appears to be AI-generated special effects for its shark attacks. The review highlights a jarring inconsistency, where real shark footage is awkwardly spliced with what can only be described as "AI slop." From my perspective, this creates a bizarre, floaty quality to the "attacks," making the victims seem almost complicit in their own demise by conveniently placing limbs where they shouldn't be. What many people don't realize is how much these visual inconsistencies can shatter immersion. When the CGI is this unconvincing, it pulls you right out of the story, transforming potential horror into unintentional comedy. It’s a shame, because the premise of mixing real footage with VFX could have been interesting if executed with skill.
Narrative Stumbles and Unintentional Comedy
Beyond the visual shortcomings, the film's editing and pacing are also questionable. The review mentions strange slow-motion choices and drawn-out sequences that stretch for time, such as a man getting onto a boat. If you take a step back and think about it, these moments serve no narrative purpose and only serve to highlight the lack of engaging content. The melodrama, coupled with the terrible FX and odd editing, leads to a third act that, according to the review, becomes unintentionally funny. This raises a deeper question about the filmmaking process: when does "so bad it's good" become simply "bad"? Personally, I think "Chum" leans heavily into the latter, offering a rough experience that might appeal to those who enjoy mocking films rather than genuinely appreciating them.
A Missed Opportunity
Ultimately, "Chum" feels like a significant missed opportunity. The trailer may have suggested a more subtle approach, but the reality is a film that struggles with basic storytelling, character development, and visual execution. While it might offer some "dumb fun" for a group looking to poke fun at a movie, it falls far short of even modest expectations for competency in the shark movie genre, especially for a theatrical release. From my perspective, it’s a stark reminder that a compelling concept and some flashy effects aren't enough to make a good film; a solid foundation of narrative and execution is crucial.
