Bait

"Bait" (2012) is an Australian thriller that plunges viewers into the suspenseful aftermath of a sudden tsunami that traps a group of people inside a flooded supermarket along the coast. The film follows a diverse group of survivors struggling against rising waters, dwindling supplies, and intensifying interpersonal tensions as they fight to stay alive. Featuring Xavier Samuel in a leading role, "Bait" blends natural disaster chaos with a claustrophobic setting to explore human resilience, fear, and moral dilemmas under life-threatening pressure. The film combines atmospheric tension and character-driven drama to deliver a gripping survival story with a distinct Australian backdrop.

The reception of "Bait" has been mixed to somewhat underwhelming among critics and audiences alike. On Rotten Tomatoes, the film holds a 47% approval rating, indicating a division in opinion. Critics generally praised the film for its unique premise and the effective use of the flooded supermarket set which contributed to a claustrophobic atmosphere. For example, some reviewers admired its suspenseful moments and Xavier Samuel's performance, describing it as "an intense survival thriller without the usual Hollywood gloss." However, others criticized the film for predictable plot developments and underdeveloped characters, with some pointing out the pacing issues and occasional shifts into melodrama rather than genuine tension. On IMDb, viewers rated "Bait" at 5.2 out of 10, reflecting an average reception that recognizes both its intriguing concept and its shortcomings in execution. Metacritic scores also suggest mixed reviews, indicating that while the movie has entertaining elements, it may not fully satisfy those seeking a deeper or more polished disaster thriller experience. Overall, "Bait" can be appreciated as a modest survival drama with enough suspense to engage genre fans, although it may feel familiar or lacking in originality to others.