Chum: A Shark Movie with a Twist of AI Chaos
The world of shark-themed cinema is a treacherous one, filled with the remnants of countless B-movies and the occasional gem like Jaws. It's a genre that demands a certain level of suspension of disbelief, and when the stakes are low, it's easy to enjoy the ride. But when a movie like Chum comes along, it's hard to ignore the feeling that something is amiss.
This film, set against the backdrop of a Mediterranean yacht excursion, introduces a group of friends and a newlywed couple who should never have tied the knot. The tension between the couple is palpable, and their 'friends' add to the overall sense of unease. As the story unfolds, they find themselves in a dire situation, caught between a menacing shark and a psychopathic killer. It's a premise that should be thrilling, but Chum fails to deliver.
The acting in Chum is a disaster, with Alice Eve being the only recognizable face in the cast. Her performance stands out for all the wrong reasons, as the rest of the cast seems to be phoning it in. The dialogue is cringeworthy and awkward, and the character dynamics are infuriating, making it impossible to root for the characters. The audience is left with no choice but to cheer for the shark, a sentiment that the film seems to encourage with its portrayal of the characters.
One of the most intriguing aspects of Chum is its use of real shark footage, which is seamlessly mixed with some of the most bizarre visual effects I've ever seen. The filmmakers seem to have relied heavily on AI for post-production, and the results are often laughable. The shark attacks lack the fluidity and realism one would expect, with victims appearing to float and place their limbs in the shark's mouth. While this might be passable in a few scenes, it becomes a major issue when the filmmakers attempt to recreate attacks that don't have existing footage.
The editing choices in Chum are equally bizarre. Normal moments are suddenly slowed down, and the film stretches for time, showing us things that are unnecessary. The music, which intensifies whenever someone enters the water, is accompanied by immediate shark cutaways, creating a sense of urgency that often feels forced. These moments, combined with the poor acting and stale dialogue, result in a lot of unintentionally funny scenes, especially in the third act.
Chum's trailer promised a more subtle and thrilling shark film, but the final product falls short of that promise. It's a step up from the infamous Shark Attack 3: Megalodon, but it still falls far short of being a competent or enjoyable movie. The film's release on June 5th, 2026, might be a chance for audiences to make fun of it with friends, but for anyone seeking a well-crafted thriller, Chum is a movie to avoid.
In my opinion, Chum is a prime example of how not to make a shark movie. It fails to deliver on the thrills and instead focuses on poor character development, awkward dialogue, and bizarre visual effects. While it might be a fun watch for those looking for a laugh, it's a movie that will leave a bad taste in the mouths of those seeking a more serious and engaging thriller.
