Perhaps we have been hoarding the large shark movies. Is it fair to other countries, really? The French have decided it is their time for a large shark film, and have created Under Paris, in which the arrival of a “giant” (she’s no MEG) shark in the Seine coincides with a very important triathlon.
Yes, you read that right. The poorly punctuated and extremely brief summary offered on YouTube says only, “Sophia, a brilliant scientist comes to know that a large shark is swimming deep in the river.” But there’s a triathlon! Many people in the water! It will be a massacre! (A word the subtitles helpfully translate to “carnage,” in case its meaning was unclear.)
“Comes to know” is sort of hilarious here, given that the trailer makes it clear Sophia (Bérénice Bejo) is tracking the movements of said shark. But this is definitely a movie for which it’s better to not ask many questions.
Under Paris is directed and co-written by Xavier Gens, who has directed episodes of Gangs of London and Lupin. It stars Nassim Lyes (Julia) alongside the aforementioned Bérénice Bejo, who was an Oscar nominee for The Artist. (There are actually a surprising number of Oscar-nominated and winning actors in shark movies, especially if you count Shark Tale, which maybe you shouldn’t.)
Under Paris swims onto Netflix on June 5th.
