We’ve explored 5% of Earth’s waters. Ever wondered what terrors lie in the remaining 95%? When I first saw the trailer for The Meg, short for Megalodon, I thought “Damn, that’s a cool concept. What if?” And in just a short two and a half minutes, a question I never knew I had became nagging.
The Meg, released in 2018, is an exhilarating sci-fi film following a group of scientists who discover the prehistoric Megalodon shark lurking in the unknown depths of the ocean. With gripping man vs monster action, striking visuals, and a star-studded cast, director Jon Turteltaub delivers a thrilling entertainment experience that embraces the possibility of the impossible. This theme is embodied through the rediscovery and resurgence of the ‘extinct’ creature – a revelation that challenges a trajectory of science that had long established and eased our nightmares. This fabled shark evokes nothing but awe as its sheer size and power are unveiled, which is a complete honour to behold. The Megalodon’s legacy of terror and eco-systemic impact add depth to the theme; all while highlighting human adaptability and wit in times of danger.
The movie is led by deep-sea diver Jonas Taylor (Jason Statham) who is called to rescue a stranded research submersible, but not before a massive entity attacks it and kills a crew member. Haunted by a past encounter with the beast, Jonas is unwilling to join the force in pursuit of apprehending the Megalodon – but is convinced by beautiful and feisty oceanographer Suyin Zhang (Bingbing Li). While team ‘Mana One’ strategises a course of action and reels in their scientific discovery, it is revealed by another attack (narrowly avoided by Suyin’s daughter, Meiying) that the Meg has breached the protective deep-sea thermocline and is now loose in the wider ocean.
Hold onto your socks as you witness the repercussions of a fossil re-animated – from mass human endangerment to selfish billionaire investments, to the blossoming of unlikely relationships.
The Meg never fails to amaze with stunning underwater cinematography, plunging audiences into the abyss with remarkable detail. The legendary Megalodon is revived in dark and light, presented in all its terrifying glory. Turteltaub truly utilises the vast unknown of the sea to his advantage, from heart-stopping chases to suspenseful encounters. I urge you to treat yourself to this simulation of the Earth’s watery underworld and nurture that morbid curiosity I bet we share. You only live once, so go deep-sea diving without the danger and fear.
This film also strikes a fine balance between humour and adventure, incorporating comedy right where it’s needed to ensure nobody dies of a heart attack during the watch. The authentic banter between characters adds an extra layer of enjoyment to the viewing experience – my personal favourite being the onscreen chemistry between Jonas and Suyin that just goes to show love can bloom even in the ugliest faces of adversity.
Funny things happen when you journey away from home like that, and with sustained time urgency, globetrotting, and discoveries, the film’s sense of adventure is unyielding. Yes, this isn’t your average creature feature – it also pleases viewers outside its target demographic of adrenaline junkies and science geeks. Laugh out loud when Meiying does the darndest eight-year-old things. Swoon when Jonas takes his shirt off. Pee your pants when you realise there’s more than one Meg around. Are you unsure about sci-fi alone? So was I, but The Meg’s got you covered to make sure everyone is happy.
The Meg proves to be an entertaining and worthwhile cinematic experience. With its engaging characters, avant-garde visuals, and racing action, I can say it was one of the only movies where I didn’t take a toilet break in my enthralled position. It’s no wonder why I and countless others are on the edge of our seats in anticipation of its sequel: Meg 2: The Trench, coming into theatres later this year. Though I wonder if the bar could ever be exceeded, consider my tickets booked and lightsticks charged as I wait longingly to see what happens next.
Anonymous
