The Black Demon (2023)

My quick rating - 3.5/10. Not a lot of "sharking" is going on in this killer shark movie. The Black Demon aspires to be part of the wave created by "killer shark" films, but unfortunately, this particular flick fails to deliver the necessary level of excitement and thrills I associate with quality shark flix. Although the concept has all the makings of a thrilling experience, with the idyllic family vacation setting quickly turning out to be an actual nightmare through the existence of the ferocious "megalodon" shark, it fails miserably, and the experience proves to be extremely disappointing indeed. The mere absence of shark action stands out as one major disappointing aspect. For a movie that markets itself as a killer shark film, the lack of intense and suspenseful "sharking" moments is baffling (I'll keep using that word out of context LOL). I was waiting for the exciting parts involving the megalodon, only to be disappointed by the prolonged response of boring dialogues between the characters, which have contributed little to the storyline’s progress. The characters, who are mainly represented by Paul (Josh Lucas) and his family, have shallow characterization, failing to raise any sense of investment in the story. The circumstances under which they find themselves, having been stranded with the megalodon constantly attacking them, should have contributed positively to tension, but shallow characterization, together with substandard dialogue, thwart any possibility of forming an emotional connection with the characters. The characterization becomes difficult to invest in, given the fact that their behavior appears shallow. Additionally, the theme represented by the movie, which seeks to reveal the conflict between nature and human beings, has failed. The Megalodon, which stands as the representative of nature, appears to be an unremitting protector of its territory, though its motivations have not been lucid. The potential for a very interesting study on human intrusion within nature is squandered, as the film settles on very obvious and clichéd elements. The cinematography, although certainly passable, cannot possibly salvage a story that has so much potential but so little drive to do anything interesting or memorable. Without the benefit of any kind of “sharking” experience, a character development that left much to be desired, and failing to capitalize on the potential for a deeper exploration, it does not do enough to provide a lasting experience for anyone, especially those familiar with the genre series represented here.

This one is still streaming at a pretty high price, so you may want to wait for the review. And seriously consider passing at that price, or any price for that matter, find it free.

The Black Demon (2023)

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