Introduction to the Movie The Requin (2022)

The Requin (2022) is a gripping survival horror film that marks the return of renowned actress Alicia Silverstone in a distinctive role. Directed by Lê-Văn Kiệt, a Vietnamese-American filmmaker known for works like Furie (2019), the movie delivers a thrilling tale of survival in the vast ocean, where humans face not only the harsh forces of nature but also the threat of ferocious great white sharks. Blending elements of horror, psychological drama, and survival, The Requin is more than just a shark movie—it’s a journey exploring human resilience in the face of adversity. Below is a detailed, comprehensive, and expanded introduction to the film, covering its plot, performances, technical aspects, production background, and deeper significance.

Basic Information

• Director: Lê-Văn Kiệt
• Writer: Lê-Văn Kiệt
• Main Cast: Alicia Silverstone (Jaelyn), James Tupper (Kyle), Deirdre O’Connell (Anne), Danny Chung (Duong)
• Genre: Horror, Thriller, Survival, Psychological
• Runtime: 89 minutes
• Release Date: January 28, 2022 (theatrical and online platforms in the U.S.)
• Producers: Lionsgate, Saban Films, Film Bridge International, Paper Street Pictures
• Budget: Approximately $8.5 million
• MPAA Rating: R (contains strong language and some violent, bloody imagery)
• Country: United States
• Language: English

Detailed Plot

The Requin follows the vacation of Jaelyn (Alicia Silverstone) and Kyle (James Tupper), a couple who travel to Vietnam for a romantic getaway at a luxurious overwater villa, hoping to mend their relationship and heal from the devastating loss of their unborn child during childbirth. Jaelyn, in particular, is grappling with post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) from this tragedy, making her emotionally fragile yet fiercely determined.

Their idyllic retreat takes a catastrophic turn when a sudden tropical storm devastates their villa, sweeping them out into the open sea. Kyle sustains a severe leg injury, and Jaelyn is thrust into a desperate struggle as they find themselves stranded on a piece of driftwood in the middle of the ocean. With no food, water, or means of communication, their situation grows increasingly dire when they realize they are surrounded by a group of massive great white sharks. These predators are not just a natural threat but also a symbol of the fears and psychological burdens Jaelyn must confront.

The film doesn’t solely focus on the battle against the sharks but delves deeply into the psychological dynamics of its characters. Jaelyn’s journey is as much about overcoming her inner trauma as it is about surviving the external dangers. The tense moments between Jaelyn and Kyle, filled with raw dialogues about love, loss, and resilience, add emotional depth to the story, though some critics have noted these scenes can feel overly sentimental at times.

Highlights

1. Performances:
   Alicia Silverstone delivers a compelling performance as Jaelyn, portraying a woman who is both vulnerable and resilient. While her acting has received mixed reviews, some critics praised her ability to convey raw panic and determination. James Tupper, as Kyle, complements her with a portrayal of a supportive but physically limited husband, creating a dynamic contrast as Jaelyn takes on a more active role in their survival. The chemistry between the two leads is a focal point, with heartfelt conversations about their relationship and loss, though occasionally criticized for being melodramatic.
2. Horror Elements:
   Marketed as a shark horror film, The Requin takes a restrained approach to its horror elements. The shark attacks are primarily concentrated in the final 15–20 minutes, delivering intense moments but falling short in terms of visual realism due to subpar CGI. The film prioritizes building a tense atmosphere of survival at sea over frequent jump scares, making it more of a psychological survival thriller than a traditional creature feature.
3. Cinematography and Production Design:
   Filmed primarily at Universal Studios Orlando using green screen technology to recreate the ocean, The Requin struggles with authenticity in its visuals. While the film is set in Vietnam, it doesn’t deeply explore local culture, using the setting more as a backdrop with elements like the overwater villa. The CGI, particularly for the sharks and ocean scenes, has been widely criticized for lacking realism, which detracts from the film’s immersion. However, the storm sequences and open-water shots effectively convey a sense of danger and isolation.
4. Music and Sound Design:
   The film’s score, composed by Christopher Wong, features dramatic melodies that heighten the suspense during survival scenes. The sound design, including crashing waves, shark movements, and eerie silences, effectively builds tension. However, some viewers found the soundtrack occasionally overdone, overshadowing the natural intensity of certain scenes.
5. Themes and Messages:
   Beyond its horror elements, The Requin explores themes of resilience, loss, and the human capacity to overcome adversity. Jaelyn’s journey is a testament to inner strength, as she confronts both external threats and her psychological scars. The film raises questions about how individuals cope with grief and responsibility in life-or-death situations. The relationship between Jaelyn and Kyle serves as an emotional anchor, highlighting the importance of mutual support while navigating personal and shared trauma.

Reception and Feedback

• Critical Response:
  On Rotten Tomatoes, The Requin holds a low approval rating of around 10%, with critics pointing to its weak CGI, shallow script, and uneven performances as major flaws. Roger Ebert’s review noted that the film “may not be a masterpiece, but it’s engaging enough to hold attention for nearly 90 minutes, especially if expectations are modest.” Some critics appreciated the attempt to blend horror with psychological drama but felt it fell short in execution.
• Audience Reaction:
  Audience reactions are mixed. Some viewers enjoyed the suspenseful moments and shark attack scenes, particularly in the climax, while others were disappointed by the lack of a more grandiose shark thriller akin to Jaws or The Shallows. The film’s 2.6/10 rating on IMDb reflects widespread dissatisfaction, particularly regarding visual effects and a simplistic plot.
• Comparison to Similar Films:
  Compared to Jaws (1975), The Requin lacks the technical finesse and emotional resonance that made Spielberg’s classic iconic. Against The Shallows (2016), it falls short in creative action sequences and character development. However, The Requin stands out for its focus on psychological and relational dynamics, setting it apart from purely action-driven shark films. It shares similarities with 47 Meters Down (2017) in terms of suspense but is considered less polished due to its visual and narrative shortcomings.

Production and Context

The Requin was produced during the COVID-19 pandemic, which significantly impacted its filming process. The use of green screen technology at Universal Studios Orlando, rather than on-location shooting in Vietnam, was a cost-saving measure that affected the film’s authenticity. Director Lê-Văn Kiệt has shared that he aimed to create a film that balanced entertainment with psychological exploration, drawing inspiration from real-life survival stories and humanity’s primal fear of the ocean.

Alicia Silverstone, best known for Clueless (1995), chose The Requin as an opportunity to tackle a physically and emotionally demanding role. In interviews, she described Jaelyn as a challenging character that required her to portray both strength and vulnerability. James Tupper, familiar from supporting roles in television, delivers a solid performance despite his character’s physical limitations. The film’s production faced logistical constraints, but the team’s commitment to delivering a survival thriller shines through, even if the final product didn’t fully meet expectations.

Target Audience

The Requin is suitable for:

• Fans of survival horror films, particularly those centered on sharks.
• Alicia Silverstone enthusiasts eager to see her in a new, action-oriented role.
• Viewers seeking light entertainment that doesn’t require deep analysis or technical perfection.
• Audiences interested in survival stories with psychological undertones, exploring human resilience.

The film may not appeal to:

• Viewers expecting a high-budget shark thriller with top-tier visual effects like Jaws.
• Those seeking a complex or deeply layered narrative.
• Audiences sensitive to violence or gore, though the film’s intensity is moderate compared to other horror movies.

Viewing Information

• Streaming Platforms: The Requin is available on platforms such as Hulu, Amazon Prime Video, Apple TV, YouTube, Google Play Movies, Fandango At Home, and Microsoft Store.
• Formats: Available for rent or purchase digitally; DVD and Blu-ray releases are available in select regions.
• Age Recommendation: Rated R, not suitable for viewers under 17 due to strong language and some violent, bloody imagery, though less graphic than many horror films.
• Subtitles and Dubbing: Subtitles and dubbed versions are available in select languages, depending on the platform.

Lesser-Known Facts

• Vietnam Setting: While set in Vietnam, the film was shot in a studio using green screen, with minimal cultural references beyond the overwater villa. Director Lê-Văn Kiệt included subtle nods to Vietnamese culture to evoke a coastal resort setting.
• Inspiration: The script drew from real-life survival accounts and humanity’s primal fear of sharks. The director researched shark attack cases to ground the story, though CGI limitations impacted realism.
• Alicia Silverstone’s Challenge: Silverstone underwent physical training for underwater scenes, performed in a controlled pool environment with green screen. She described the role as a departure from her comfort zone, pushing her to explore new acting territory.

Conclusion

The Requin (2022) is a survival horror film with a unique premise, blending shark thriller elements with a psychological exploration of loss and resilience. Despite its shortcomings—namely lackluster CGI and a somewhat simplistic script—it offers moments of suspense and a touching Ascending triangle System: moving tale of human endurance. Alicia Silverstone and James Tupper deliver noteworthy performances, though not always universally praised, adding emotional weight to the narrative.

If you’re looking for a casual weekend watch or a thrilling survival story with moments of tension, The Requin is a worthwhile pick. Prepare to face the storm and the sharks alongside Jaelyn and Kyle, and witness the power of human spirit in the most desperate circumstances!