Review of “Bait” (2012): A Shark Thriller with Mixed Bites
“Bait,” directed by Kimble Rendall and released in 2012, is a disaster-horror film that blends shark attack thrills with a disaster movie setup. Starring Xavier Samuel, Sharni Vinson, and Julian McMahon, the film combines the terror of a great white shark with the chaos of a tsunami.
Plot Overview
The story begins with a freak shark attack that sets the stage for lifeguard Josh (Xavier Samuel) losing his best friend and subsequently breaking up with his fiancée Tina (Sharni Vinson). A year later, Josh is working in a supermarket when a massive tsunami hits, flooding the store and trapping a group of survivors inside. Among the wreckage and chaos, they discover that a 12-foot great white shark is also trapped with them, leading to a tense battle for survival.
Performance and Direction
Xavier Samuel and Sharni Vinson deliver solid performances given the film’s campy premise. Julian McMahon adds some gravitas to the ensemble, although the characters are largely drawn from B-movie archetypes. Director Kimble Rendall manages to create suspenseful moments, particularly when he focuses on the shark’s predatory instincts and the survivors’ desperate attempts to escape. However, the film’s tone often wavers between horror and unintentional comedy.
Cinematography and Production Design
The film’s 3D effects are a notable feature, though their execution is hit-or-miss. Some scenes, such as floating body parts and sharks lunging at the camera, are designed to maximize the 3D impact but can appear cartoonish in 2D. The underwater scenes are murky, as expected from a tsunami aftermath, but the overall visual quality is commendable for a mid-budget horror film. The practical sets, particularly the flooded supermarket, are well-constructed and enhance the claustrophobic atmosphere.
Themes and Symbolism
“Bait” explores themes of survival and human ingenuity in the face of natural and predatory threats. The film also touches on redemption, as characters confront their past mistakes amidst the life-or-death scenario. However, these themes are often overshadowed by the film’s focus on action and spectacle.
Critical Reception
“Bait” received mixed reviews from critics. It holds a 44% approval rating on Rotten Tomatoes, with some praising its fun, campy nature, while others criticized its clichéd dialogue and over-the-top premise. Love Horror noted the film’s blend of horror and comedy, describing it as a “thoroughly enjoyable horror” if one is willing to embrace its silliness. DoBlu highlighted the film’s use of 3D and practical effects, although it found the 3D implementation lacking in depth and realism.
Streaming Availability
“Bait,” the film is available on several streaming platforms in the United States:
- Amazon Prime Video: Available for rent or purchase.
- Apple iTunes: Available for rent or purchase.
- Google Play Movies & TV: Available for rent or purchase.
- Vudu: Available for rent or purchase.
Conclusion
“Bait” is a film that offers a mix of thrills and laughs with its outlandish premise of sharks in a supermarket post-tsunami. While it may not be a critical darling, it provides enough entertainment for fans of shark movies and disaster horror. For a fun, if not entirely serious, viewing experience, “Bait” is worth a watch on a lazy weekend.
