Bait (2012) is an Australian-Singaporean 3D horror-thriller directed by Kimble Rendall. The film blends the disaster and shark attack genres in a unique premise, set against the backdrop of a tsunami. It features a group of characters trapped in a submerged supermarket with a deadly predator lurking in the flooded aisles—a great white shark.

Plot Overview:

The film opens with a quiet day at a coastal town, where lifeguard Josh (Xavier Samuel) loses his best friend in a shark attack. A year later, Josh is working in a supermarket when a massive tsunami strikes the town, flooding the streets and trapping him, along with a group of other survivors, inside the store. As if being trapped underwater wasn’t enough, they quickly discover that a great white shark has also been swept into the store with them.

The survivors, including Josh’s ex-girlfriend Tina (Sharni Vinson), a store employee (Julian McMahon), and a few other characters with their own subplots, must find a way to escape the submerged supermarket while avoiding becoming prey to the shark.

Characters:

• Josh (Xavier Samuel): The protagonist, a former lifeguard haunted by his past and thrust into another terrifying encounter with a shark.
• Tina (Sharni Vinson): Josh’s ex-girlfriend, who gets trapped with him in the store, forcing them to face their unresolved issues while trying to survive.
• Doyle (Julian McMahon): A mysterious character with a criminal past who also gets stuck in the store and plays a key role in the group’s survival.

Key Features:

• Tsunami-Shark Combo: What sets Bait apart from typical shark thrillers is its unique setting—a flooded supermarket filled with debris, limited air supply, and an unpredictable environment. The combination of the natural disaster and the shark attack makes for tense, claustrophobic survival horror.
• 3D Effects: The film was made in 3D, which enhances the action-packed sequences, especially the shark attacks, giving audiences an immersive experience.
• Survival Drama: While the shark provides the central horror element, Bait also weaves in personal drama and dynamics among the survivors, who come from different walks of life.

Tone and Style:

Bait delivers the suspense and tension expected in a shark movie, with several jump-scare moments and violent shark attacks. However, its B-movie sensibilities, coupled with occasionally campy dialogue and character arcs, give the film a slightly cheesy, over-the-top vibe, making it entertaining for fans of the genre who appreciate both thrills and a bit of humor.

Reception:

Bait received mixed reviews upon release. Critics praised its innovative premise and fun, popcorn-movie feel but pointed out that the character development and dialogue were often lacking. Despite the shortcomings, the film’s unique setting and 3D shark action garnered a cult following, particularly among fans of disaster and creature feature films.

Conclusion:

Bait (2012) is a fun, adrenaline-packed shark thriller that stands out due to its unusual setting and combination of disaster and horror elements. While it may not be a cinematic masterpiece, it’s an enjoyable film for those who love survival horror and over-the-top creature features. If you’re in the mood for something tense, with a blend of disaster, sharks, and a dash of human drama, Bait makes for an entertaining watch.