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Written & Directed by Andrew Traucki
Starring Zoe Naylor Gyton Brantley Adrienne Pickering
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THE REEF has been called “The Best Shark Movie since JAWS” and that’s 100% true. THE REEF is grounded, character focused, realistic movie that creates a boiling level of suspense and tension. You will be glued to the edge of your seat with your hands and teeth clinching for dear life for the onscreen characters.
Some people might compare this film to OPEN WATER and they are similar in that the characters are out in the open ocean. But THE REEF is made with considerable more skill on every production level. Andrew Traucki’s direction is astounding as he doesn’t resort to cheap scares but rather generates layer upon layer of trepidation that plays like a long lit fuse of dynamite. You will feel nervousness while THE REEF plays to the last incredibly nail-biting second.
Also the predators in OPEN WATER were Blue Sharks, while this film has one very large Great White Shark. I don’t know if there is anything on this Earth more frightening then a killing machine shaped like a distortedly thick torpedo with black-soulless eyes and rows of razor sharp teeth.
Two couples and another friend take a yacht trip to a coral reef. On the second day the tides starts to drop and they must get the away before they get dry-docked. As they hurry in an inflatable boat (they had been snorkeling) it gets sliced by part of the reef and becomes useless once they reach the yacht. Then as they are trying to get the yacht out to deeper sea, it hits a ridge of rocks sticking up from the ocean floor causing the boat to capsize.
Once all five characters get to the top of the overturned boat, they are faced with a grim decision; to stay on the overturned hull and hope for a plane or ship to come by, all while the boat continues to drift out to see or swim open ocean, without a weapon to an island estimated 12 miles away. But keep in mind this is Australia and as the boat assistant friend says, “I’m not getting in the water because I know what’s in it.” Plus this guy also mentions to one of the other characters after they put on wet suits that they look like a sea lion (Great White’s choice of meal).
I must also say that the Great White is real. No CGI nonsense here. Traucki somehow integrates a real White Pointer with his actors and the results are absolutely terrifying.
What are you waiting for? See THE REEF the first chance you get. I viewed it on Netflix streaming.
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