'Something in the Water' is No Shallow Thriller

Studio Canal UK

There is “Something in the Water,” and the sharks are not the only threat in the thriller currently streaming on Hulu. Estranged former couple Meg (Hiftu Quasem) and Kayla (Natalie Mitson) reunite to celebrate the wedding of one of their friends. Right away, the hijinks of the groom’s sister put the group on edge until she pushes them off of it. 

The Setup

The infuriating Cam (Nicole Rieko Setsuko) bullies Meg, Kayla, Ruth (Ellouise Shakespeare-Hart), and the bride, Lizzie (Lauren Lyle), onto a dinky boat for an expedition. We are all one bad mistake from making our last one, and Cam’s “friends” suffer the consequences. When one of them is attacked by a shark – a fight for survival begins.

For Meg, who survives a brutal attack by bigots in the opening minutes of “Something in the Water,” it means confronting her mortality all over again. The spiraling situation is a second chance to do or die, and Meg’s strained relationship with Kayla is put to the test.

Beneath the Water

Ever since “Jaws” made waves in 1975, shark movies have become a full-blown subgenre. The idea of humans being put in a relatively foreign environment as they fight for their lives as sharks circle preys on our worst fears. When “Open Water” arrived in 2003, all of those aspects only intensified.

Fast forward through countless (quality) sequels, Blake Lively’s spin in “The Shallows,” and there is “Something in the Water.” As someone who has watched their fair share of the sub-genre’s offerings, “Something in the Water” is one of the better ones. Having been bitterly disappointed by “The Reef: Stalked” (also on Hulu), Hayley Easton Street directs a redemptive entry.

Performances

Hiftu Quasem does a marvelous job anchoring the movie. As Meg, Quasem is the emotional underpinning to “Something in the Water,” and it does not take long to invest in her. 

Meg and Kayla’s relationship hinges on the chemistry between Quasem and Natalie Mitson, and the duo’s romance is very believable. Overall, the cast is solid as the script navigates them into tenser and tenser territory. 

Lessons Learned

Cam is one of those people who never accepts “no” for an answer. Every hair-brained scheme she machinates is just one giggle away from happening, whether her victim likes it or not. It is unclear if “Something in the Water” depicts a shot across the bow at those who behave this way.

“Something in the Water” is undoubtedly a cautionary tale. Be careful who you name as enemies and claim as friends. These decisions can be life and death. If the group of friends had held a firmer line with Cam, the damage she does could have been better controlled. “No” is the most powerful word in the English language. If someone you know disrespects it -- cut all ties.

In Summation

To be fair to Cam, “Something in the Water” features a steady supply of dumb decisions. However, she is the worst offender. The movie expertly portrays the impact one (horrible) individual can have on a group, as well as the beauty an altruistic friend can supply.  

At the end of the day, sharks are dangerous. If you stay out of the water, you will live unscathed. Humans, on the other hand, pose the most substantial risk. Be careful who you trust to have your back. You may be the victim of a shark attack.