Fear Below (2025) Movie Review – Where to Watch Online
“Fear Below” (2025), directed by Matthew Holmes, is a low-budget indie film that aims to tread new waters in the oversaturated killer shark genre. Set in post-World War II Australia, it diverges from the typical beachside terror template by blending historical drama, noir undertones, and crime thriller elements with the ever-present aquatic threat. The result? A film that tries to do more with less—and sometimes, that effort shows.
In this review, we’ll take a deep dive into the story, characters, setting, technical execution, and whether it’s worth your time. Plus, we’ll show you where to stream or rent this movie online in the U.S.
Plot Summary: Sharks, Gold, and Gunmen
The plot follows a scrappy team of professional divers, each haunted by their pasts, hired to recover a sunken car filled with stolen gold from a remote river. Unfortunately, the river isn’t the only thing hiding secrets—a highly aggressive bull shark lurks below, complicating an already dangerous job.
The true enemy, however, may not be the shark, but the human greed and prejudice that bubble to the surface as tensions rise. This is less “Jaws” and more “Treasure of the Sierra Madre” meets “Lake Placid.”
An Unusual Setting: Post-War Australia in 1946
What sets Fear Below apart is its bold decision to root the film in 1946 Australia. From vintage diving suits to the period-accurate racism and gender dynamics, the setting provides texture rarely seen in shark horror flicks. It’s a gritty, muddy, and morally grey world where survival hinges on more than just escaping a predator.
The noir aesthetic—complete with gangsters, stolen loot, and moral compromise—feels refreshingly different, even if the execution doesn’t always rise to the ambition.
Performances and Characters: Uneven but Interesting
The acting ranges from serviceable to shaky. While no performance truly stands out, the ensemble cast does manage to create compelling group dynamics. Characters like Jimmy, the war-hardened diver, and Clara, the lone female member trying to prove her worth, offer enough emotional depth to maintain engagement.
Unfortunately, many of the characters are underwritten. Stereotypes occasionally dominate—grizzled veterans, greedy gangsters, and the “token Indigenous character” trope. Still, there’s an earnestness in their portrayal that keeps the audience invested.
Direction and Visual Style: Limited Budget, Clever Use
Matthew Holmes, known for crafting atmosphere on a shoestring budget, leans heavily on foggy riverbanks, claustrophobic underwater shots, and a muted color palette to mask the film’s obvious financial limitations. The underwater sequences are shot with surprising clarity and tension, even if they sometimes betray the use of miniatures and “dry-for-wet” filming techniques.
Yes, the shark effects are underwhelming—often reduced to dorsal fins or murky flashes—but this restraint adds to the mystery rather than undermines it. Less can be more when your CGI budget can’t match your ambitions.
Themes: Racism, Greed, and Man vs. Nature
The film touches on several deeper themes, including systemic racism (highlighted in how a Black war veteran is dismissed by others), misogyny, and the destructive nature of greed. These elements give Fear Below a surprising amount of weight—though some will argue the commentary is more gesture than substance.
Still, it’s commendable that the filmmakers tried to say something beyond “shark bad, people scream.”
Runtime and Pacing: Short and Efficient
Clocking in under 90 minutes, the film wastes little time. The plot moves briskly, even if the setup takes a little too long to kick into gear. Once the divers hit the water, tension builds steadily, culminating in a final act that delivers decent thrills and a satisfying—if slightly predictable—conclusion.
Streaming Availability: Where to Watch Fear Below (2025)
As of now, Fear Below is available for digital purchase or rental on major platforms in the United States:
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Apple TV
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Vudu
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Plex
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Spectrum On Demand
While it’s not yet included in a subscription streaming service like Netflix or Hulu, its availability for rental makes it an accessible weekend watch for fans of the genre or curious indie film lovers.
Personal Verdict: Surprisingly Entertaining, If Flawed
Despite its shortcomings—flat character development, predictable beats, and questionable shark effects—Fear Below is a fascinating entry in the shark-horror subgenre. It doesn’t reinvent the wheel, but it attempts to carve a niche for itself with historical flavor and a noir-tinged atmosphere.
As a viewer, I didn’t expect much going in—but found myself pleasantly surprised. The combination of gangsters, gold, and gory river deaths is strange but oddly entertaining. Think of it as a pulpy paperback novel made into a B-movie: cheesy, flawed, but fun.
It may not be Jaws, but it doesn’t have to be.
Conclusion: Should You Watch It?
If you’re burned out on bland CGI shark flicks and crave something with a unique twist, Fear Below might just be worth your time. It’s not groundbreaking, but it’s at least trying to be something different—and that’s more than can be said for most films in this niche.
Whether you’re in it for the historical crime drama, the suspenseful underwater sequences, or just want to watch a shark eat some morally questionable divers, Fear Below delivers just enough to be a worthwhile rental.
Ready to dive in? Don’t expect a masterpiece—but if you enjoy gritty, low-budget creature features with a twist, stream or rent Fear Below today on Amazon Prime Video, Apple TV, or your favorite platform. Leave your expectations at the riverbank and enjoy the murky thrill ride.
