Bait takes a bite out of the shark horror genre, mixing claustrophobic terror with over-the-top thrills and a healthy dose of absurdity. Directed by Kimble Rendall, this Australian action-horror flick is set in a flooded supermarket after a freak tsunami, where a group of survivors is forced to confront not only rising waters but also a deadly shark lurking beneath the surface.

The film opens with a devastating natural disaster as a massive tsunami strikes a coastal town, submerging the local supermarket. But the real danger isn’t the floodwater—it’s the hungry, aggressive sharks that have invaded the store, thanks to the tides. The survivors—ranging from a tough-as-nails cop (played by a gritty Xavier Samuel) to a group of helpless bystanders—must figure out how to outwit the predators circling in the flooded aisles while trying to stay alive.

While the premise sounds like it’s begging for a hefty dose of suspense, Bait delivers a surprisingly fun mix of shark attacks, human drama, and inventive disaster sequences. The setting of a submerged supermarket creates a unique environment, providing a perfect claustrophobic battleground for the characters. It’s not just the sharks you have to worry about—trapped survivors have their own interpersonal tensions and motivations, which heighten the stakes.

The special effects are decent for a low-budget film, with CGI sharks and water effects that, while not groundbreaking, are certainly serviceable. The sharks’ predatory behavior is exaggerated enough to be entertaining, and the characters’ fight for survival never lets up. The film leans into its absurdity, often toeing the line between thrilling and hilarious, especially as characters make irrational yet entertaining decisions.

However, Bait does lack depth when it comes to character development. Many of the survivors are thinly written, serving mostly as cannon fodder for the sharks. While this doesn’t detract from the fun, it’s clear that the film’s primary focus is on the action and spectacle rather than emotional investment.

In the end, Bait delivers a satisfying blend of shark mayhem, disaster survival, and popcorn horror. It’s a flick that doesn’t take itself too seriously, making it an enjoyable choice for fans of shark thrillers and disaster films. Not a masterpiece, but definitely an entertaining ride that offers the right amount of tension and bite.

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