“Under Paris” (Sous la Seine) is a wild ride that mixes the grandeur of Paris with a heart-pounding action-horror disaster narrative. Directed by Xavier Gens, known for his flair in creating intense, atmospheric thrillers, the film delivers an adrenaline-fueled spectacle that’s part Jaws, part Deep Blue Sea, with a dash of Sharknado thrown in for good measure.
The movie follows Sophia Assalas (Bérénice Bejo), a marine biologist haunted by the tragic loss of her husband, Chris, who was killed by Lilith, a monstrously large shortfin mako shark. The story kicks off with an intense underwater sequence that sets the tone for the rest of the film. Fast forward three years, and we find Sophia working at an aquarium in Paris, far removed from the open ocean she once loved. But her peaceful existence is shattered when Lilith, now even more enormous and accompanied by her deadly offspring, makes an unexpected appearance in the Seine, threatening to turn the city into a bloodbath.
Visuals and Atmosphere:
Gens transforms the iconic River Seine from a romantic postcard image into a terrifying deathtrap. The film’s visual effects, especially the portrayal of the sharks and the catastrophic flooding of Paris, are nothing short of impressive. The scenes in the catacombs are especially eerie, with the dark, labyrinthine tunnels providing a perfect backdrop for the lurking danger. The final act, where a tsunami triggered by an explosive chain reaction floods central Paris, is a jaw-dropping spectacle that combines the chaos of a disaster movie with the relentless tension of a creature feature.
Performances:
Bérénice Bejo shines as Sophia, bringing depth and emotional weight to a role that could easily have been overshadowed by the film’s action-heavy narrative. She convincingly portrays a woman who, despite her grief and fear, is driven to face her worst nightmare to save the city she calls home. Her chemistry with Adil (played by Tahar Rahim), the determined police diver, adds a layer of human connection amidst the chaos, grounding the film’s more fantastical elements.
Plot and Pacing:
The plot of Under Paris is a rollercoaster of tension and thrills, with just enough camp to keep it entertaining. The pacing is relentless, with the action ramping up from the moment Lilith reappears in Paris and never letting up. The narrative skillfully weaves together Sophia’s personal journey of redemption with the larger, city-wide disaster unfolding around her. While the premise is undoubtedly far-fetched—giant sharks in the Seine, anyone?—the film embraces its outlandish concept with gusto, making for a highly entertaining, if somewhat implausible, experience.
Thrills and Horror:
The horror in Under Paris comes not just from the shark attacks, which are gory and frequent, but also from the sense of helplessness that pervades the film. Whether it’s the environmentalists who get more than they bargained for in the catacombs, or the triathlon participants who find themselves in the middle of a feeding frenzy, the movie keeps you on edge. The suspense is heightened by the unpredictability of Lilith and her offspring, who seem to have developed a terrifying intelligence and ability to adapt, making them even more dangerous.
The Ending and Implications:
The film’s climax is both thrilling and devastating. The tsunami that floods Paris, destroying landmarks and wreaking havoc, is a cinematic tour de force. The final scenes, with Sophia and Adil stranded on a rooftop, surrounded by the surviving sharks, leave the audience in a state of breathless anticipation. The end credits, hinting at the proliferation of these mutated sharks across the world’s major rivers, suggest that the nightmare is far from over—teasing a potential sequel that could take the terror global.
Final Thoughts:
“Under Paris” is a bold and exhilarating film that blends action, horror, and disaster in a way that’s both terrifying and fun. Xavier Gens has crafted a movie that doesn’t take itself too seriously, allowing for moments of levity amidst the chaos while delivering plenty of edge-of-your-seat thrills. If you’re in the mood for a film that combines the outrageous with the intense, all set against the backdrop of one of the world’s most beautiful cities, Under Paris is a must-watch.
Just be sure to avoid swimming in the Seine anytime soon—you never know what might be lurking below.
