Release Date: August 9, 2024
Genre: Thriller
Director: Brad Douglas
Writer: Brad Douglas
Production Company: Barbed Wire Media
Filming Location: Brookings, Oregon, USA
Storyline
A series of enigmatic and deadly attacks on local fishermen have left the community in fear of supernatural forces; marine biologist John Burton is called in to investigate, thinking there must be a rational explanation for the attacks; however, as he digs deeper into the mystery, he finds that the truth is far more horrific than he could have ever imagined. Bad Fish is an exciting story that takes place in a small coastal town in Oregon.
The deadly and gorgeous creature responsible for the attacks is a mermaid. This mermaid is desperate to find a mate so she can have children, or else she will perish. When John combines forces with Abby Brand, a victim’s daughter, he learns the truth about the mermaid’s curse and the disastrous consequences of her quest. As they race against time to stop the mermaid before more lives are lost, the movie builds to a suspenseful climax.
Reviews
Critics’ Reviews
Rotten Tomatoes: “A spooky thriller that combines contemporary horror with folklore.” Bad Fish’s eerie plot and atmospheric setting keep viewers on the edge of their seats.”
IGN: “Brad Douglas takes a fresh approach to the mermaid mythology, transforming it into an engrossing and horrifying horror story.”
The Hollywood Reporter: “Bad Fish is a standout thriller of 2024 thanks to its strong performances and suspenseful direction, even though the premise might seem ridiculous.”
Reviews by Audience
For lovers of creature features, Bad Fish is a must-see—the ideal fusion of horror and suspense.”
The character played by Abby Wathen is excellent, and the mermaid is both stunning and terrifying. An excellent film to watch at night.”
I was skeptical about the plot, but the movie turned out to be much more intense and gripping than I expected.”
Characters
John Burton (Jonny Lee): A dedicated marine biologist with a tragic past, John is driven by his passion for the ocean and its creatures. His scientific mind is put to the test as he encounters the mermaid, challenging his beliefs about the natural world.
Skip Porter (Mark Schneider): A local fisherman and skeptic who initially dismisses the rumors about the attacks. As the death toll rises, Skip becomes an unlikely ally to Burton, providing valuable insight into the town’s history and folklore.
Abby Brand (Abby Wathen): A journalist from a nearby city, Abby is drawn to the story for her own personal reasons. Her inquisitive nature and determination to uncover the truth put her in danger as she gets closer to the mermaid’s secret.
Phyllis Brand (Marlyn Mason): Abby’s grandmother and a lifelong resident of Brookings. Phyllis is the town’s unofficial historian, holding knowledge of the ancient legend that might be the key to stopping the mermaid.
Bill Morgan (Greg James): The town’s sheriff, who struggles to maintain order as fear spreads. Skeptical of the supernatural explanation, he is nonetheless forced to confront the reality as the body count rises.
Brad (Meng M. Lo): A local fisherman who narrowly escapes an attack. His harrowing experience serves as a turning point in the investigation.
Ben Burns (Scott Ford): A reclusive local who knows more about the mermaid’s curse than he lets on. His cryptic warnings to Burton add to the tension and mystery.
Mermaid (Lys Agnes): The antagonist of the story. Beautiful yet deadly, the mermaid is a creature of instinct, driven by her need to find a mate. Her presence brings a primal terror to the town, as she leaves a trail of bodies in her wake.
Ritual Attendee (Alan Smithee): A mysterious figure who participates in an ancient ritual connected to the mermaid’s curse.
Box-Office Collection
A respectable $12 million was made by Bad Fish during its first weekend of release in the United States. Even though it was a niche thriller, the movie made a lot of money after its first month thanks to positive online reviews and word-of-mouth, taking its total box office to an astounding $65 million worldwide. The movie did especially well among fans of horror and thrillers and in coastal states.
