A disaster film that completely fumbles
If you’ve ever experienced the gripping suspense of Jaws, you know that feeling of a movie leaving a lasting mark with minimal shark sightings. No Way Up, directed by Claudio Fah, isn’t on par with Steven Spielberg’s Jaws or the recent shark hit Meg, but it’s a thrilling ride for fans of suspense.
Released in February 2024 in the UK and US, this one-and-a-half-hour film stars Sophie McIntosh, Will Attenborough, Jeremias Amoore, Manuel Pacific, Grace Nettle, and more.
While bird strikes on aircraft are common news, have you ever imagined sharks striking an airplane? In No Way Up this wild scenario unfolds as sharks attack a plane. The story begins with a routine morning flight from Los Angeles to Cabo, carrying only a handful of passengers.
However, shortly after take-off, disaster strikes when birds collide with the propeller, causing it to explode and severely damage the aircraft. The plane crashes into the Pacific Ocean, leaving survivors trapped with limited oxygen and surrounded by sharks.
With no way out, they face a desperate struggle for survival. To discover their fate, you’ll have to experience the suspense yourself in the VOD release.
Fans of shark attack thrillers will find No Way Up a satisfying addition to this legacy but it doesn’t exact push the boat out. The film maintains a gripping pace, with the climax between Ava and the shark being a standout moment.
No Way Up falls short in its emotional storytelling, a critical element seen in other disaster and survival thrillers.
When we talk about emotional storytelling, two scenarios often stand out. First are those that bring tears of pain and those that elicit tears of joy. Both are equally powerful and capable of leaving a lasting impact. In No Way Up, while the thrill is palpable, the emotional connection with the characters falls short.
No Way Up lacks the time and depth needed to forge a strong bond between the audience and its characters. The relationship between Ava (Sophie McIntosh) and Rosa (Grace Nettle) is a notable exception, which contributes to a small portion of emotional resonance in an otherwise adrenaline-fueled story.
Aside from its lack of emotional depth, No Way Up also falters in its plot development. One survivor happens to be the governor’s daughter, a potentially fascinating subplot that could have worked in favor of the story, particularly in the underwater rescue efforts, but this aspect, too, feels underdeveloped and fails to hold your attention.
Similarly, a conflict between a cabin crew member and a passenger presents another missed opportunity for something greater. While these aforementioned things had the potential to create a lasting impact, they are not fully explored or to put it simply, they are half-baked.
With only a brief runtime, there’s a sense that the filmmakers rushed through the storytelling, neglecting the opportunity to flesh out the characters and their arcs fully.
The technical aspects of No Way Up aren’t bad for an indie flick. The clock effect, with its ‘tik tik’ sound, helps to heighten tension during the underwater rescue scenes. The cinematography, particularly the use of low light underwater, adds to the film’s excitement.
However, while the film’s concept is fascinating, it ultimately falls short in execution. It’s clear that there was potential for a much more impactful story, leaving viewers likely to feel disappointed despite some initial promise.
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Verdict - 5/10
5/10