Let's dive into the world of CHUM, a film that promises a thrilling blend of shark-infested waters and psychological drama. Personally, I find it fascinating how this movie, released in 2026, continues the trend of exploring the 'shark-obsessed-psycho' subgenre, while also drawing parallels to the 2024 film SOMETHING IN THE WATER, which focused on sharks disrupting a Mediterranean wedding.
The narrative opens with a powerful voiceover from Roy, who has lost his wife to a Great White shark. The initial monologue, filled with emotion and a sense of loss, sets the tone for the film's exploration of grief and obsession. However, what immediately stands out to me is the discrepancy between Roy's words and the visual depiction of his wife's attack. The absence of her scream, as described by Roy, raises questions about the reliability of his narrative and the potential psychological impact of his grief.
The Wedding Party's Unlikely Encounter
As the story unfolds, we are introduced to a wedding party, including the bride Tina and her groom Tom, who find themselves on a boat outing, unaware of the impending danger. The film cleverly weaves in a realistic marital dispute, a refreshing change from typical onscreen clichés. This adds depth to the characters and makes their journey more relatable.
One intriguing aspect is the role of Captain Mackey, who assures the nervous Britney that shark attacks are unheard of in those waters. This contradiction, coupled with the severed microphone, leaves viewers questioning the reliability of the information provided. It's almost as if the film is toying with our expectations, blurring the lines between reality and fiction.
A Shark with a Story
The shark in CHUM is a formidable presence, with its realistic appearance and voracious appetite. However, it's the human villain that truly captivates. The motivation behind the shark's actions, or rather the lack thereof, is a point of contention. When compared to iconic characters like Quint from JAWS or Bruce Tucker from DANGEROUS ANIMALS, CHUM's villain falls short in terms of intrigue and depth.
Climate Change and Cinematic Choices
What many people might not realize is the film's subtle incorporation of climate change as a plot device. Tom's assertion that Great Whites are being driven north due to climate change is an interesting choice. While it adds a layer of relevance to the story, it also raises questions about the accuracy of the information presented. The existence of a distinct subspecies of Great Whites in the Mediterranean challenges the narrative presented in the film.
Final Thoughts
In my opinion, CHUM offers a moderately engaging experience, but it could have been elevated with a stronger focus on character development and a more nuanced exploration of its themes. The film's strengths lie in its ability to create suspense and present a realistic marital conflict. However, the lack of a compelling human villain and the occasional inaccuracies in its portrayal of shark behavior and climate change impact leave room for improvement. Nonetheless, CHUM remains a noteworthy addition to the shark-centric subgenre, offering a unique blend of horror and psychological drama.
