Beast of War: Sharks, Soldiers, and Scares in WWII
Shark movies. They’re either amazing or…well, let’s just say they don’t always make a splash. But there’s a new shark thriller swimming our way that I’m genuinely excited about: Beast of War. This isn’t your typical Jaws rip-off. It’s got a unique twist: World War II. Plus, it comes from the director of the awesomely gory Wyrmwood movies, Kiah Roache-Turner. October 10th can’t come soon enough!
R-Rated Action: Expect Blood in the Water
The MPA just gave Beast of War an R rating, and trust me, it sounds like it’s earned every drop of red. We’re talking bloody violence, gore, and some salty language. Imagine being stranded at sea with a killer shark, and you get the picture. This isn’t one for the faint of heart, but for fans of intense, gritty action, it’s a big win. A hard R rating can sometimes signal a filmmaker really going for it, pushing the boundaries of the genre. Let’s hope that’s the case here.
A WWII Shark Story? You Have My Attention
So, what’s the story? Picture this: 1942, the Timor Sea. An Australian warship packed with soldiers is heading to the front lines when Japanese fighter planes attack. Chaos erupts. The ship sinks. A few survivors manage to cling to a makeshift raft, desperately trying to stay alive. They’re surrounded by burning wreckage, the vast ocean, and…a giant shark. Talk about a bad day at the beach.
The whole scenario got me thinking: what’s scarier, enemy soldiers or a massive great white shark? I mean, with soldiers you at least have a fighting chance. But against a shark? In the open ocean? Yikes.
Inspired by True Events, Amped Up to 11
Interestingly, the story is loosely based on the real sinking of the HMAS Armidale. Roache-Turner stumbled upon this historical event while looking for a movie idea he could film in a water tank. However, he decided to take some creative liberties to make it more of a monster movie. I’m all for a bit of historical inspiration blended with over-the-top action. It’s like taking a real-life event and adding a hefty dose of “what if?”
A Monstrous Shark for a Monstrous Movie
And let’s talk about the shark itself. Forget the realistic approach. This shark is straight-up monstrous. Roache-Turner specifically wanted a creature that looked like something out of a nightmare. Think scarred, jagged teeth, a missing eye—the works. It’s been designed by Paul Trefy, who also built the shark for the movie Unbroken. If anyone knows how to make a terrifying shark, it’s him.
More Than Just a Shark Flick?
I’m curious to see how Beast of War balances the historical backdrop with the creature feature element. Will it be a thoughtful exploration of survival against impossible odds? Or a full-throttle thrill ride with a monstrous shark at its center? Maybe a bit of both?
Ready to Dive In?
Beast of War sounds like a unique and terrifying addition to the shark thriller genre. The R rating promises plenty of gore and intense action, and the WWII setting adds a layer of historical intrigue. I, for one, can’t wait to see this monster shark in action.
What about you? Are you intrigued by this mix of history and horror? Let me know in the comments below!