Release Date: July 9, 2024
Runtime: 1h 22m
Language: English
Country: United States
Genres: Horror, Thriller
Production Company: Swim Swim Entertainment
Storyline
Beautiful young influencer Heidi (Alexandra Corin Johnston) changes into a formidable apex predator after surviving an enigmatic shark attack. She keeps up her social media persona while prowling Venice Beach, California, continuing to hunt and feed. The film explores the dark ramifications of turning into a monstrous figure motivated by primal instincts by fusing elements of horror and thriller.
Characters
Heidi (Alexandra Corin Johnston): The central character, a beautiful influencer who undergoes a drastic transformation following a shark attack.
Sienna (Sumayyah Ameerah): Heidi’s friend who becomes entangled in the chaos.
Christopher (Nick Tag): A local who witnesses Heidi’s disturbing new behavior.
Ron (Ryan Bertroche): An investigator trying to uncover the truth behind the mysterious attacks.
Jackie (Devon Odessa): A beachgoer who encounters Heidi during her predatory phase.
Gina (Delaney Hogan): A social media manager who gets caught up in the unfolding drama.
Reviews
Critic Reviews
IMDb Rating: 8.2/10
Rotten Tomatoes: 75% (Tomatometer) / 80% (Audience Score)
Metacritic: 70/100
Shark Girl is praised by critics for its original approach to the shark attack genre, which combines horror with social media culture. It has been noted that Alexandra Corin Johnston’s portrayal of Heidi is both engrossing and unnerving. The film’s visual style and suspenseful atmosphere receive commendation, although some find its pacing uneven and the ending abrupt.
User Reviews
Positive: Viewers appreciate the film’s originality and the way it critiques influencer culture. Many find the horror elements effective and engaging.
Negative: Some users criticize the film for its somewhat predictable plot and underdeveloped secondary characters.
Box Office Collection
Opening Weekend: $8.2 million (Domestic)
Total Gross (Domestic): $35 million
Total Gross (International): $10 million
Production Budget: $15 million
Shark Girl did exceptionally well at the box office, exceeding projections and bringing in a sizable crowd for the genre. The film faced fierce competition from other summer releases, but its success is credited to its captivating premise and smart marketing techniques.