I remember watching The Reef (2010) and thinking that it was probably the best shark film I had seen since the original classic, Jaws (1975). It was incredibly tense and although the story itself was pretty simplistic, The Reef managed to remain suspenseful and heart-racing throughout its runtime; a hard task with a plot that simple. I remember the shark being a little too smart for my liking, but I guess it had to be for the film to last as long as it did. Either way, it was a solid 7.5 in my book and an incredibly enjoyable film. Apparently, I was not the only one that felt this way, with other critics remarking comments such as:
“THE REEF is an absolutely horrifying good time and one of the best shark films since JAWS.”-Aint it Cool December 2010
(L-R) Teressa Lianeas Nic, Saskia ArcherasAnnieand Ann Truongas Jodie in the horror film, THE REEF: STALKED, anRLJEFilms/SHUDDER release. Photo courtesy of RLJEFilmsand Shudder.
“…it feels more real than a blockbuster monster movie -Maggie Lee, The Hollywood Reporter, 8 October, 2010
and my personal favourite:
“…the performances are realistic as are the shark scenes –all of which have been masterfully transposed using real great white footage –making this homegrown horror worth sinking your teeth into.”-4/5 Stars -ZOO 7 Days Review –March, 2011
eressa Lianeas Nicinthe horror film,THE REEF: STALKED, anRLJEFilms/SHUDDER release. Photo courtesy of RLJE Films and Shudder.
Now, Australian writer/director Andrew Traucki has released a “much anticipated” sequel. Personally, I like the way that the first film concluded and I didn’t feel the need for a revisit but apparently, according to Trauki himself, folks were begging for a follow-up, though this version may not necessarily be what the fans were after:
I started thinking about making a film that had an anti-domestic violence message that would find a broader international audience. I thought of the parallels between a vicious shark attack and death at the hands of your partner and that is how the idea for The Reef: Stalked was born. The film begins with a brutal domestic violence death and then follows a group of women having to band together to overcome a violent predator, the man in the grey suit (that’s what surfers call sharks).
A stillof the shark from the horror film, THE REEF: STALKED, anRLJEFilms/SHUDDER release. Photo courtesy of RLJEFilmsand Shudder.
Traucki continues:
I am really excited about the script for The Reef: Stalked. I think I have managed to craft a story that both, entertains and could be a catalyst for further discussion around domestic violence and exposing the issues that surround it. I think if done right, The Reef: Stalkedhas real potential to go wide and fingers crossed, get people talking about the plague that is domestic violence.
The film is releasing as a Shudder exclusive on July 29th with a runtime of 90 minutes. The film is not yet rated. Take a look at the trailer and promo images and perhaps check it out if shark films are your thing. I’m definitely going to give it a watch, if only for the reason that the first was great and I really want to see if Traucki can pull off the same magic the second time around. Thanks for reading and as always, stay sordid.
