Great White

Great White is an Australian survival horror film released in 2021. The film was directed by Martin Wilson in his directorial debut, and features an ensemble cast led by Katrina Bowden and Aaron Jakubenko. Also starring are Kimie Tsukakoshi, Tim Kano, and Te Kohe Tuhaka, who all contribute to a thrilling narrative that revolves around a group of people stranded miles from shore while being stalked by a huge and deadly great white shark.

"Great White" takes inspiration from real-world fear, using the natural predator of the oceans—the great white shark—as its central antagonist. The shark, being one of nature’s most horrifying creatures, forms a compelling and critical part of the movie's central plot and indeed, without it, there would be no film. It invokes chilling memories of "Jaws," another classic shark movie, while still managing to establish its unique identity.

At the heart of the story is a seaplane. Run by Charlie Brody (Aaron Jakubenko) and his girlfriend Kaz Fellows (Katrina Bowden), the charter service offers tourists aerial views of the picturesque region. Charlie and Kaz are well-etched characters, their relationship forming the emotive core of the film. Jacubenko and Bowden give commendable performances, adding depth and believability to their roles.

Bowden is known for her previous roles in "30 Rock" and "Tucker & Dale vs Evil." Her character, Kaz, is a vibrant and adventurous spirit, a woman who is not unfamiliar with the unpredictable nature of the vast ocean. Bowden’s nuanced portrayal of Kaz makes her a compelling lead, fostering audience engagement throughout the movie.

Aaron Jakubenko, known for his work in "The Shannara Chronicles" and "Tidelands," plays Charlie. While he is a skilled pilot, his personal insecurities form an intriguing part of his character. The chemistry between Charlie and Kaz makes their relationship a believable one that audiences will invest in.

The couple's routine life takes a drastic turn when they engage a group of tourists for a trip—one that should have been a joyous occasion. Alongside Charlie and Kaz are the tourists Joji (Tim Kano), his wife Michelle (Kimie Tsukakoshi), and the cook Benny (Te Kohe Tuhaka), who form an eclectic group with their individual troubled backstories.

Michelle and Joji are dealing with issues that reveal the tensions in their relationship, while Benny carries the sorrow and guilt of a tragic past. Kaz and Charlie are painted as free spirits but are facing crucial life decisions that might change the course of their future. The boat trip is supposed to be a healing experience for all. However, the unexpected arrival of the great white shark changes everything.

The team is plunged into a desperate struggle for survival, stuck on a raft with a massive white shark hunting them from beneath. The picturesque locations now transform into a vast, perilous ocean with no land in sight, evoking an intense feeling of claustrophobia and dread.

"Great White" is a gripping tale of survival that shines a light on the unknown dangers lurking beneath the sea. Its thrilling narrative quickly asserts that underestimating nature can lead to merciless consequences. The tension that persists throughout the film is fueled by various underlying personal dramas and the threat posed by the predatory great white.

The unpredictable behavior of the shark and the deep-seated fear it induces heighten the suspense, while human dramas add a layer of emotional complexity. Each character in the film is forced to face their fears and insecurities, their unresolved issues, and their mortality as the harrowing experience unfolds.

Furthermore, director Martin Wilson astutely deploys the vast and endless ocean without any artificial jump scares, reminding viewers of the real terrors that lie beneath the serene beauty of the sea. The cinematography beautifully showcases the breathtaking landscapes and terrifying oceanic expanses, creating a captivating backdrop for the tension-filled plot.

Not just another shark movie, "Great White" dives into the struggles, hardships, and unpredictability of human life when pitted against nature's most fearsome creatures. It delivers a tense and engaging watch that will have movie-goers on the edge of their seats.