Shark movies have been a staple of the horror genre ever since Steven Spielberg invented the summer blockbuster as we know it with Jaws 50 years ago. This summer, the folks at IFC and Shudder are making a new entry into the shark movie canon in the form of Dangerous Animals. Starring Jai Courtney (Suicide Squad) as a killer masquerading as a shark tour guide, the movie poses a simple question; what if humans are, in fact, the dangerous animals? It’s a fun idea. It’s made all the better when you can experience it while actually floating on the water. You know, the water? Where sharks live.
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I had the good fortune of seeing director Sean Byrne’s new shark thriller in just such an environment, having enjoyed Dangerous Animals during its Texas Premiere “on the water” as part of the Alamo Drafthouse’s Rolling Roadshow screening series. This also includes the much beloved Jaws on the Water, which is making a comeback this year. As the name implies, the fine folks at the Drafthouse and IFC presented a screening of the film whilst myself and other patrons floated on tubes in the water. It was, to say the least of it, a unique experience.
Byrne was also in attendance alongside star Hassie Harrision, adding some star power to the proceedings. The whole thing took place at the beachside waterpark Volente Beach about 45 minutes outside of Austin, Texas. Guests were able to enjoy food and drinks by the water, as well as waterslides, fake tattoos and one mighty impressive sand shark. It was all designed to lure everyone into a fun sense of calm before climbing on an inflatable tube at night to float around while deadly shark (and human) shenanigans played out on screen.
The film centers on Zephyr (Harrison), a rebellious surfer who is abducted by a shark-obsessed serial killer (Courtney). She is held captive on his boat in the middle of the sea and must escape before he feeds her to the sharks below the surface.
I’m aware that my view of the movie was colored by my experience but, for my money, Dangerous Animals is one of the better shark movies to come about in some time. Those wanting Deep Blue Sea might find themselves disappointed, but those ready to embrace an absolutely unhinged Jai Courtney with a side of sharks, you’re in luck. It's unhinged. There is hooting and hollering to be done. It's precisely the kind of good time that is enhanced by the collective viewing experience. I can’t recommend enough that people watch this with people, be it in a theater or inviting people over for a viewing party of some sort.
Admittedly, my experience was a charmed one, becoming more of an immersive event as opposed to a typical trip to the movies. It’s the kind of shared group experience that we could use more of in the modern exhibition space. It’s sort of like going to a drive-in but, you know, on the water.
It’s offering a little something extra than just the usual weekday matinee. I love the theatrical experience, don’t get me wrong, but in an era when so many things are competing for our collective attention, offering something this unique feels like it could be part of the future of moviegoing.
More than just a movie, let’s have an experience together. Movies, in my mind, have always been improved when they are enjoyed in a big room, on a big screen, surrounded by strangers who are joined only by their desire to watch the same thing and have that same experience. This event begs the question, why does it have to be a room? Why not a beach? One can only hope studios and theater chains continue to ask – and answer – such fun questions more often in the future.
Dangerous Animals hits theaters on June 6 and will also be streaming on Shudder at a later date. For more, check out Fango’s list of horror movies to put on your radar this summer.
