When Under Paris was released on Netflix in 2024, it immediately caught global attention for its unusual premise: a shark terrorizing the River Seine in the heart of Paris. Directed by Xavier Gens, this French action-horror film blends ecological disaster, political satire, and creature-feature thrills into a fast-paced and visually striking story.
Plot Overview
The film follows Sophia Assalas, a marine biologist portrayed by Bérénice Bejo, who is still haunted by a past tragedy involving a giant mako shark named Lilith. Three years after losing her husband and team during an ocean expedition, Sophia discovers that the same shark—or its offspring—has somehow migrated into the River Seine.
As Paris prepares for an international triathlon set to take place in the river, the authorities refuse to cancel the event despite multiple warnings. Sophia teams up with Adil, a river police officer, and a group of environmental activists to hunt down the deadly predator before it strikes again. What follows is a chaotic and suspenseful race against time, culminating in a shocking finale that hints at a much larger threat lurking beneath the surface.
Themes and Symbolism
Beyond its horror elements, Under Paris explores themes of climate change, environmental negligence, and political arrogance. The shark becomes a metaphor for nature’s revenge against human recklessness. The film also critiques bureaucratic inaction, showing how leaders often prioritize prestige and profit—symbolized by the triathlon—over public safety.
The setting itself plays a vital role. The romantic image of Paris contrasts sharply with the dark, murky depths of the Seine and its underground catacombs, creating a unique backdrop for a horror story rarely seen in European cinema.
Performances and Production
Bérénice Bejo delivers a strong and emotional performance, grounding the film’s more outrageous moments with sincerity. The supporting cast, including Nassim Lyes as Adil and Léa Léviant as the activist Mika, add depth and urgency to the ensemble.
Visually, the film excels with impressive underwater cinematography and convincing CGI for its budget. Xavier Gens balances tension and spectacle, especially in the chaotic final act where the river becomes a war zone of panic and destruction.
Critical Reception
Critics gave Under Paris mixed reviews. Some praised its originality, social message, and entertaining set pieces, while others criticized its uneven pacing and occasional lapses in logic. Still, audiences found it to be a thrilling ride, and it quickly became one of Netflix’s most-watched non-English films of 2024, amassing tens of millions of views within weeks of release.
Conclusion
Under Paris might not redefine the shark movie genre, but it revitalizes it with a bold new setting and timely environmental commentary. By merging urban horror with ecological themes, the film offers both spectacle and substance.
