When asked to think about a great shark movie, most people would say “Jaws,” and that’s pretty much the only correct answer. While I don’t think anything could ever top it in the world of shark thrillers, there are a small handful of movies that still provide a similar bolt of adrenaline, just without the iconic status. “The Shallows” is a solid example, and now that it’s streaming on Prime Video, there’s a good chance it’ll make the trending list.
I distinctly remember watching “The Shallows” in theaters back in 2016 and coming away pleasantly surprised. Starring Blake Lively in the lead role, this shark thriller hits all the necessary beats of a survival story and ramps up the tension enough to make your heart race. While it doesn’t take place on Amity Island or see Chief Martin Brody beefing with a shark named Bruce, it does place you on a secluded Mexican beach, with enough open water to trigger anyone’s fear of the ocean.
