Something in the Water (2024) Movie Review: Where to Watch Online
Plot Summary:
“Something in the Water” (2024) takes audiences on a suspenseful ride through the shark-infested waters of the Caribbean. Directed by Hayley Easton Street, this thriller follows a group of five estranged friends who reunite for a wedding in an idyllic tropical setting. However, their celebratory trip turns into a fight for survival after a shark attack leaves them stranded on a reef, far from shore. The movie delves into the group’s struggle to maintain their friendship while battling the elements, their fears, and a relentless predator lurking beneath the surface.
Review:
While shark attack movies have become a popular subgenre within horror, often aiming to replicate the tension and terror of classics like Jaws, Something in the Water carves out its niche in the genre. Though it doesn’t break new ground, it stands as a competent entry, boasting a strong cast, impressive cinematography, and a handful of intense, nail-biting sequences that will keep viewers engaged.
The film opens with a focus on Meg, who is dealing with the psychological aftermath of a brutal, homophobic attack that took place a year prior. Despite her struggles with PTSD, Meg decides to reconnect with her friends, joining them for what’s supposed to be a joyous occasion – Lizzie’s extravagant wedding in the West Indies. However, the reunion is fraught with tension, especially when Meg’s ex-girlfriend, Kayla, is the one to pick her up from the airport. As the group tries to rekindle their friendship, the lingering scars from the past threaten to unravel their bond.
Something in the Water effectively combines elements of survival horror with a drama about the complexities of female friendship. The shark attack is the catalyst that forces the group to confront their unresolved issues, but it’s the dynamic between the women that drives the narrative. The tension mounts as the friends are forced to work together to survive, even as old wounds are reopened and new conflicts arise.
The film’s pacing is one of its strengths, as it doesn’t waste time with unnecessary buildup. Instead, it plunges the characters – and the audience – straight into the action. The first shark attack happens early on, setting the stage for the group’s desperate struggle for survival. This no-nonsense approach helps maintain a sense of urgency throughout the film’s 80-minute runtime.
One of the standout elements of Something in the Water is its cinematography. The film makes excellent use of its tropical setting, with sweeping shots of the Caribbean’s turquoise waters and white sandy beaches. The underwater scenes are particularly well done, capturing both the beauty and the danger of the ocean. The use of wide shots to emphasize the vastness of the ocean against the small, vulnerable group of women is especially effective in conveying their isolation and helplessness.
The film also features some impressive practical effects, particularly during the shark attacks. There’s a visceral realism to these scenes that heightens the tension and adds to the overall sense of dread. One particularly memorable sequence sees the ocean turning red with blood, a stark and haunting visual that underscores the brutality of the situation.
However, Something in the Water is not without its flaws. While the film’s first two acts are taut and suspenseful, the third act falters slightly. The tension that has been steadily building begins to fizzle out, replaced by melodramatic exchanges that feel somewhat out of place in a shark attack thriller. This lull in the action is exacerbated by the shark’s absence during this portion of the film. While the creature’s reappearance in the final act helps ramp up the tension again, it never quite recaptures the momentum of the earlier scenes.
Moreover, while the film’s script is generally solid, there are moments where the dialogue feels stilted or overly expository. The characters’ interactions are at their best when they are driven by emotion rather than plot necessity, and the film could have benefited from more naturalistic exchanges.
Where to Watch Online:
As of its release in May 2024, Something in the Water is available in select theaters across the United States. For those who prefer watching from home, the movie is also available on various VOD (Video on Demand) platforms. Viewers in America can rent or purchase the film on popular streaming services such as Amazon Prime Video, Apple TV, Google Play, and Vudu. These platforms offer the film in both HD and SD formats, with prices varying depending on the service and the format chosen.
Conclusion:
Overall, Something in the Water is a serviceable entry in the shark horror subgenre. While it may not reach the heights of genre classics, it offers enough thrills and chills to satisfy fans of survival horror. The strong performances from the cast, combined with the film’s striking cinematography, make it worth a watch, even if the script doesn’t always hit the mark. If you’re in the mood for a tense, female-led thriller with a few decent shark scares, Something in the Water is worth checking out.
Whether you’re planning a night out at the theater or a cozy movie night at home, Something in the Water offers a solid, if not spectacular, cinematic experience that will leave you second-guessing your next dip in the ocean.
