Under Paris, Directed by filmmaker Xavier Gens is a horror/action thriller that tells the story of a bereaved brilliant marine biologist, Sophia (Bérénice Bejo).
Sophia suffers a loss at the beginning of the film; what was supposed to be a research trip ended up being a blood bath by a shark, named Lilith.
This tragedy forced Sophia out of the open seas and into working as a guide at an aquarium.
Three years later, the same shark is traced to the Seine River in Paris around the time Paris is to host the triathlon showcase for the Olympics.
Sophia is sought after by Mika (Léa Léviant), a member of the ocean conservation group Save Our Seas. She asks for Sophia’s help to take Lilith out of the Seine and back to the ocean.
Recollecting past experience with the shark, Sophia declines her offer and warns Mika of how deadly the shark is—a warning Mika didn’t heed, which ended up costing her her life alongside others.
The Lilith situation becomes more terrifying, and the mayor is alerted.
She is advised to cancel the triathlon, but she refuses, stating that so much money has gone into preparation and that international guests and journalists from all over the world have already been invited.
As the story progresses, Sophia discovers that Lilith has gone rogue because of climate change and pollution and is currently reproducing through parthenogenesis. She has become a brand new species, and the Seine is filled with sharks she has bred and is still breeding.
Sophia teams up with police officer Adil (Nassim Lyes) and his team on the day of the triathlon to put an end to Lilith’s killings and save Paris.
However, it doesn’t go as planned, and Paris is submerged in water with sharks everywhere. In the final scene, we see Sophia and Adil on a surface in the middle of the water, with Paris in a state of devastation.
Will Under Paris Have a Sequel?
In an interview with Variety, the film’s director stated that preparations for a sequel aren’t underway yet.
“Right now, we’re not on it, but there’s a chance that we’ll be discussing it soon. If there is a sequel, it will take place in a Paris that is entirely submerged under water.”
Why Watch Under Paris?
1) Unique Setting:
Unlike other shark films set in the ocean, Under Paris is set in the city of Paris, offering a fresh setting for the film’s genre.
2) Engaging Character Journey:
The protagonist, Sophia, is a marine biologist turned aquarium guide. She was the first person in the film to lose someone to Lilith; regardless of her past, she overcomes her trauma to try to save her city.
3) Thrill and Suspense:
With a shark and its offspring on the loose, Under Paris is a great watch if you are a lover of suspense.
4) Environmental Message:
In the movie, Lilith’s change in behaviour is caused by climate change and pollution. The film is indirectly passing a message to everyone about the impact of human actions on marine life. It also urges humans to do better.
Rating: 7/10
Conclusion
If you are a lover of horror and action films, Under Paris is the perfect film to kickstart your weekend.
