Chum

In a world where horror movies often feel like they’ve been churned out by formulaic machinery, “Chum” attempts to break free from this mold with a premise that combines aquatic terror and interpersonal paranoia. Directed by Jonathan Zuck (making his feature directorial debut), this 87-minute flick delivers a sun-drenched escape turned into a fight for survival on the high seas.

The plot revolves around newlyweds Tina (Alice Eve) and Tom (Eric Michael Cole), who join friends Rachinda (Sarah Siadat), Sadie (Elle Haymond), Roy (Jim Klock), Rick (Johnny Gaffney), and Britney (Lisa Yaro) on a luxurious Mediterranean yacht. What should be an idyllic vacation takes a grim turn when the group finds themselves besieged by both a predatory shark and a psychopathic killer in their midst.

The tagline, “There’s no hiding in the sea,” succinctly encapsulates the predicament of the characters. In this claustrophobic setting, every movement, every shadow, becomes a potential threat—be it from beneath the waves or from one of the passengers themselves.

Director Zuck’s vision is clear: he wants to evoke both the visceral fear of shark attacks and the psychological horror of being stalked by an unseen killer. The script, co-written by Dick Grunert, James Kondelik, Ryan R. Johnson, and Joe Leone, attempts to blend these elements seamlessly, but ultimately finds itself stretched thin.

One cannot help but notice that “Chum” struggles with pacing and character development. With a runtime of just 87 minutes, the film feels rushed in its attempt to introduce the shark threat while simultaneously developing the killer’s identity. This often results in characters feeling like placeholders rather than fully realized individuals. Tina and Tom’s newlywed relationship is hastily sketched, leaving viewers with little emotional investment in their survival.

The technical aspects of the film are where it truly shines—or at least attempts to do so. Mac Fisken’s cinematography captures the Mediterranean sun beautifully, contrasting starkly with the dark undertones of the plot. The underwater shots are particularly impressive, adding a layer of realism and tension that is often lacking in shark horror films.

However, the film’s reliance on jump scares and predictable character deaths feels derivative rather than innovative. Johnny Gaffney’s Rick and Lisa Yaro’s Britney are introduced only to be dispatched with minimal impact—a common issue for ensemble cast members in this genre. Their inclusion serves more as filler, adding little to the narrative beyond increasing the body count.

The standout performance comes from Alice Eve as Tina. Despite limited screen time and underdeveloped character arcs, she brings a palpable sense of dread that resonates throughout the film. Her chemistry with Eric Michael Cole’s Tom is believable enough to make their predicament somewhat relatable.

While “Chum” offers some thrilling moments and visually stunning sequences, its overarching narrative feels like an uninspired amalgamation of tropes from various horror subgenres. It fails to bring anything truly novel or fresh to the table, instead relying on tried-and-true terror tactics that have been seen countless times before.

In conclusion, “Chum” is a watchable but ultimately unremarkable entry in the horror genre. It may satisfy fans of shark and serial killer films looking for a quick thrill, but it won’t leave much of an impression beyond the immediate scare factor. For those seeking something more substantial or original, you might want to cast your eye elsewhere.

This article was generated by an AI system and reviewed by our editorial process.