In recent news, the 2023 shark movie Deep Fear is making waves on Netflix as it finds success and secures a spot on the US top 10 chart. Starring Ed Westwick from Gossip Girl, Deep Fear delivers an action-packed storyline that revolves around a yachtswoman who is coerced by enraged drug traffickers to retrieve their sunken cocaine stash amidst treacherous storm conditions and shark-infested waters. Helmed by director Marcus Adams, the film features a talented cast including Mãdãlina Ghenea and Macarena Gómez.
Deep Fear's ascent to the top 10 chart in the United States is a remarkable achievement for the Netflix-exclusive production. Despite only receiving a limited theatrical release, the film has gained popularity since its recent availability in the US. Unfortunately, the lack of accessibility to the film before this limited its viewership, resulting in a dearth of ratings on Rotten Tomatoes. Nevertheless, Deep Fear had already made a significant impact globally when it premiered on the platform last fall.
While Deep Fear garnered success, it was overshadowed by the release of The Meg 2: The Trench in 2023. Despite receiving mixed reviews, with a 27% Tomatometer rating, The Meg 2 had higher visibility due to its larger budget of $129 million. Although it underperformed domestically, the shark-infested thriller managed to amass a respectable $397.7 million worldwide.
Deep Fear joins a league of other notable shark B-movies from the past decade, including the original The Meg, the 2016 hit The Shallows, and 2017's 47 Meters Down. Given the saturated market, it is indeed a noteworthy milestone for Deep Fear to earn a spot on any Netflix top 10 list, especially when competition is fierce. While it shares a similar female-led narrative with The Shallows, Deep Fear distinguishes itself with its gripping drug trafficking plot. The chance for increased viewership on Netflix may potentially lead to greater recognition for Deep Fear among the diverse array of shark movies released in the 21st century.
As Deep Fear continues to captivate audiences and secure its spot in the US top 10 chart, it serves as a testament to the timeless allure of shark movies. With its thrilling plot, talented cast, and availability on the widely popular streaming platform, Deep Fear has undoubtedly made its mark in an industry flooded with shark-infested tales.