Imagine.. white sand beaches, emerald green and turquoise waters. It’s definitely one of my favorite places to be. I travel often, and when I do, somewhere on a beach is my preferred destination. One of my biggest fears, though, is sharks. I never get in ocean water because of it. That doesn’t make my visit any less enjoyable, though, as I love the relaxation that comes with listening to the waves touch the shore and the sea gulls calling to each other. After watching The Shallows, starring Blake Lively, I am thinking that on the shore is where I will continue to stay. Smart move.
There’s something in the water. See Blake Lively in #TheShallows, only in theaters. https://t.co/q3djSGgws6 pic.twitter.com/BTkc0bwmTr
— The Shallows (@ShallowsMovie) July 9, 2016
The Shallows Movie Review
In “The Shallows,” Blake Lively’s character faces the tragic loss of her mother. To then feel closer to her mom, she travels nomadic style for a period and finally ends up searching for a “secret beach” that her mother had visited many years ago. And this Mexican beach is pristine – with small, gorgeous islands and great surfing on crystal clear waters. However, she has no idea what horror awaits her when in this beautiful unnamed destination known only to a few locals.
My Thoughts
I used to watch horror type movies all the time but they haven’t been high on my watch list for the past few years. I liked horror movies back in the day when they were scary and not so gory. Gory is gross. I want to be scared, not feel the urge to throw up.
For some reason, though, The Shallows spoke to me. Let’s be honest, I think it was the gorgeous beaches. 😉 Plus, I was pleasantly surprised by Blake Lively’s acting ability in The Age Of Adaline, so I have been excited to see her in something else since. So, it seemed like a win-win.
And I have to say, I wasn’t disappointed. I was even more impressed with her range in this movie.
I definitely felt for her character. She was very likable and I could understand her motivation to go to the beach that no one would share the name of with her. It probably wasn’t the smartest move to travel alone to a strange place in a foreign country, but that was not her original plan, so I never felt that her stupidity got her into this situation. When it all started to fall apart for her, I just felt empathy for her astonishingly bad luck.
Overall Thoughts
If you are looking for a horror movie that doesn’t have too many gory scenes, I think you will like this one. Yes, there are shark attacks, but most of them are off camera, so it’s more like a scary and suspenseful movie than a disgusting one. If you are like me, be sure to look away from the screen for a hot second when she attends to a wound on her leg. That was bad. Yuck. Otherwise, I can’t recall anything else that I would warn you queasy stomach crowd to worry to much about. If you have watched it and I forgot something, please feel free to warn others in the comments below.
I think girls will like this movie as Blake Lively’s character is very empathetic and a girl’s girl. Also, the scenic beach views are stunning. The guys will like this because of the shark, and well, look at Blake Lively. So, I think this would be a great date movie for the younger, millenial crowd. As a late 30-something, I would also watch it again. 🙂
Do You Agree With The Shallows Movie Review?
Have you seen it? If so, what did you think?
Love suspenseful movies – and hate gory ones. This sounds like a good mix and I adore Blake! She is the cutest. The plot also sounds good, so I will trust your review! 🙂
Karen | GlamKaren.com
I recently saw the previews for this and it looks SO good! Scary and intense!
I agree, when movies go too far, it isn’t fun anymore. Besides, my imagination is active and well. I’m a 50+ gal and I think I would go and see it!
I saw Jaws at a young age and can’t watch any other shark movies. I saw an interview Blake did where she said she swam with sharks while in a cage so she had no fear. I couldn’t do it.
Forget that! No way would I ever swim with sharks, cage or not! She is way braver than me.
I haven’t seen it yet, but I decided I wanted to see The Shallows when I learned that Blake is a great surfer in real life. And I like that she helps raise awareness of shark preservation.
I didn’t know about these things. Thanks so much for sharing. I wonder if she did the actual surfing in the movie. There was one part where I thought they may have CGI’ed her face onto another surfer, but it went by so fast that I couldn’t really tell. Who knows?
This sounds like a really good movie, but maybe a little scary for me. Then again, it is so hard to find good movies these days!
I’ve always hated horror movies because I am not a fan of paying money to have the crap scared out of me. hahaha But, I love suspense movies! I also love Blake so I could probably put aside my no-horror rule for just this time. And I agree, she was SO GOOD in Age of Adeline!
I am not sure that this movie is for me. Suspenseful movies get to me every time, but maybe I could be convinced.
I have not seen this movie yet. My son is super excited to see this movie ad I do hope he enjoys it as much as he thinks he will
I love a good thriller and movies like this really get the heart pounding. I haven’t seen it yet but thanks to your review, I will.
Great! I hope that you come back and let us know if you like it or not.
I haven’t seen this movie but it sounds like one my daughter would like so we’ll probably see it soon.
It’s a nice movie, something that you look forward to during the summer. I’m not sure why a lot of people were disappointed by it, it’s not something you level with an academy award winning movie, it’s something you enjoy watching with friends or with a date!
I agree. It’s not like it’s Shakespeare or anything. It’s definitely a great movie to get you pumped/scared for a beach vacation, though, lol.
I think this movie would really scare me. When I was a kid and saw JAWS for the first time, I was afraid to use the toilet or shower for fear that a shark would come up through the plumbing.
I don’t think that I have ever actually seen Jaws unless I did when I was small and can’t remember it. I need to add that to my watchlist.
I saw the trailer to this, and I’d definitely like to see this movie. I am curious to see how Lively’s character makes out.
I am not a big gory movie fan, so maybe I can stomach this one. Anything water related scares me a bit though.
Yeah sharks are like my biggest fear. I made it through it though. If you decide to see it, I would love to know what you think.
OOOOOOOOOH!!! I LOVE Blake Lively! I am definitely checking this movie out. The suspense kills me.
I haven’t seen the previews for this one but based on your review it seems like something that I would really enjoy. I like a good horror flick.
I was listening to her interviews about how she got into shape for the role. I like her and hope to see this movie.
I heard that its a great movie. I love her as an actress, she’s come a long way since her days on CW network.
She definitely has. I like how she is trying all different types of roles.
I’ve been wanting to see this movie! After reading your review, I know for sure I need to head to the theaters. I adore Blake Lively!
I’m not a big horror movie fan , but this doesn’t sound too scary. I also like Blake Lively so maybe I’ll check this out.
I am not a fan of gore so I am glad that this retains suspense instead of gory movie scenes. Blake Lively is fantastic I have loved her since the Gossip Girl days.
This is my first time hearing about this movie, but it sounds so intriguing! Plus, Blake Lively is such a talented actress.
Oooooo you had me at Blake lively with this!!! I just love her so I will definitely have to see this film!
This looks like a great movie. Can’t wait to go and see it!