Blending survival terror with whimsical charm, “Under Paris” has surged to the top of the Netflix charts with an astounding 40.9 million views globally, attracting audiences across multiple countries.
The Shark That Terrorized The Seine
The narrative kicks off in the Great Pacific garbage patch, where the film introduces its menacing threat: the unnaturally large mako shark, Lillith. The movie’s protagonist, Sophia, a grieving scientist portrayed by Berenice Bejo, is thrust into peril as she attempts to save Parisians from this apex predator’s rampage.
A New Wave in The Shark Genre
Directed by Xavier Gens, known for his work in “Lupin” and “Gangs of London“, “Under Paris” stands out for its blend of horror and humor. As Gens puts it, This movie is a wildly ambitious, relentlessly silly but genuinely terrifying action-cum-horror-cum-disaster flick.
The movie intertwines the suspense of classic shark films like “Jaws” with the everyday romantic chaos familiar to fans of “Emily in Paris“, creating a unique viewing experience.
A Global Phenomenon
The film’s success isn’t confined to France. It has topped charts in diverse regions such as Canada, Malaysia, New Zealand, Mexico, Germany, Kenya, Spain, Vietnam, Portugal, and Costa Rica. Netflix’s co-CEO Ted Sarandos recently noted that their algorithm boosts international hits by showcasing them in multiple territories—a strategy clearly paying off here.
Mixed Critical Reception
Despite its popularity, critical reception has been mixed. “Under Paris” holds a 65% score on Rotten Tomatoes. While some critics praise performances—especially Bérénice Bejo‘s portrayal of Sophia—and entertaining elements, detractors point out issues with CGI and script quality.
No Competition In Sight
A large part of Under Paris’ success can be attributed to its unique positioning. With no major shark-focused films recently except for last year’s Meg 2: The Trench and The Black Demon, it has virtually cornered the market. This genre vacuum has significantly contributed to its unchallenged rise on Netflix rankings.
The Staying Power Question
So far, audience reactions are mixed—with a 35% approval rating—but the film continues to garner viewers based on sheer curiosity and lack of competition. Hannah Minghella expresses her excitement about these developments by saying,I am so grateful to Bela and Dan for the opportunity to build on that foundation and collaborate on a dynamic slate of both animation and live-action movies.
Main Genre Mystery Continues
Beneath the bustling streets of Paris lies a hidden world filled with ancient secrets and dark mysteries. This setting adds layers of intrigue and fear as Sophia confronts her deepest fears—and one very large shark—under Paris’ historical catacombs.
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