Chum Review: Silly Shark Attack Movie With Wedding Guests

The film "Chum" is described as "grade A tosh," a deeply stupid high-concept thriller centered on a group of wealthy wedding guests who encounter a great white shark. The narrative, which unfolds in crystalline waters that later turn red with blood, presents a twist where the primary antagonist is not the shark, but a vengeful man named Roy, portrayed by Jim Klock. Roy seeks retribution against the shark for consuming his wife during the film's opening pre-credits sequence. Alice Eve, who also serves as a producer, appears to enjoy her role as Tina, one of Roy's victims. Tina, a lawyer, is meant to be celebrating the early days of her marriage to Tom (Eric Michael Cole) following a lavish destination wedding. However, their marital bliss is threatened by Tom's ecowarrior stance, which leads him to be disgusted with Tina for considering representation of an oil company. Their unresolved conflict escalates during what is intended to be a relaxing three-hour cruise with a group of secondary characters, who are presented as disposable. The film's premise involves these characters being unexpectedly forced onto this cruise amidst their personal disputes. The reviewer highlights the film's high-concept nature and its blend of shark attack tropes with human drama, ultimately deeming it a "silly" and "daft" cinematic experience. The plot's reliance on a human villain seeking revenge, rather than solely focusing on the natural threat of the shark, is a key element of its narrative structure. The reviewer's tone suggests a lighthearted, albeit critical, assessment of the film's entertainment value, emphasizing its intentional or unintentional comedic aspects derived from its outlandish premise. The character of Tina is presented as the most resourceful among the victims, attempting to navigate both the immediate danger posed by the shark and the human antagonist, as well as her strained relationship with her husband. The film's setting, juxtaposing idyllic wedding celebrations with violent encounters, contributes to its over-the-top tone. The narrative arc for the wedding guests involves their transition from celebratory mood to a fight for survival against both natural and human threats. The reviewer's commentary suggests that the film embraces its B-movie sensibilities, offering a spectacle that is more amusing than genuinely terrifying. The presence of Alice Eve as both a star and producer indicates a level of creative involvement that the reviewer suggests is reflected in her seemingly enjoyable performance. The film's structure, beginning with a violent act that sets the revenge plot in motion, establishes the stakes for the subsequent events involving the wedding party.