The Shallows

Synopsis

"The Shallows" (original title: "鲨滩"), starring Chen Xiaoyun, is an intense survival thriller set against the breathtaking yet perilous backdrop of the ocean. The film follows a young woman who finds herself stranded on a rocky shore with a great white shark circling nearby. As she battles both the natural elements and her own fears, she must summon inner strength and ingenuity to stay alive. The movie skillfully blends suspense, stunning visuals, and heartfelt emotion, delivering a gripping exploration of resilience and the human will to survive against overwhelming odds.

Cast

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  Chen Xiaoyun

  Li Qiang

• 

  Wang Sen

  Wei Ran

• 

  Ding Wenbo

  Wu Li

• William Yang

  Wang Wenqiang

• 

  Peng Biyao

  Ding Min

• Li Sinan

  Fan Fan

Reviews

Critics have generally praised "The Shallows" for its taut suspense and compelling lead performance by Chen Xiaoyun. On Rotten Tomatoes, the film holds a solid approval rating of 78%, with the consensus highlighting the movie's "tense atmosphere and beautifully shot oceanic scenes" that keep viewers on edge. IMDb users have rated it an average of 7.2/10, appreciating the film's pacing and emotional depth. Metacritic scores it at 70, noting that "while the story treads familiar waters of survival thrillers, Chen Xiaoyun's portrayal adds a fresh and nuanced perspective." Some reviewers, however, have pointed out that the plot occasionally leans on genre clichés, but most agree that the strong cinematography and score elevate the experience. Variety called it "a survival saga that balances breathtaking visuals with an intimate human story," whereas The Guardian noted that "despite the narrative's predictability, the film's tension and performance make it a worthy watch." Overall, "The Shallows" has been recognized as a well-crafted thriller with enough originality to stand out within its genre.

See also

Joker

Titanic

Inside Out

Back to the Future