Review: The Reef: Stalked (2022)

The Reef: Stalked, directed by Andrew Traucki, is a standalone sequel to the 2010 survival thriller The Reef. Released in 2022, the film dives back into the ocean’s dark, shark-infested waters, combining elements of trauma, survival, and aquatic terror. While it offers suspenseful moments and a fresh storyline, it struggles to match the tension and realism of its predecessor.

Plot Overview

The story follows Nic (Teressa Liane), a young woman reeling from the murder of her sister. Seeking solace, she joins her friends for a kayaking trip in a remote island paradise. However, their adventure takes a terrifying turn when they encounter a great white shark that begins stalking them. Trapped on the open water with limited resources, the group must summon all their courage and resourcefulness to survive.

Strengths

1. Beautiful Scenery and Atmosphere
   The film captures the serene beauty of its oceanic setting, which starkly contrasts with the lurking danger beneath the surface. The lush visuals heighten the stakes as the once-idyllic location turns into a deadly trap.
2. Focused Female-Driven Narrative
   The film centers on themes of trauma, resilience, and the strength of female friendships. Nic’s personal journey adds emotional depth, making her fight for survival more compelling.
3. Moments of Tension
   While not as intense as the original, the film has a few gripping scenes where the shark’s presence is genuinely terrifying, leveraging the fear of the unknown lurking underwater.
4. Practical Effects
   Unlike many shark thrillers that rely on CGI, The Reef: Stalked incorporates practical effects and real shark footage, adding a layer of authenticity to some sequences.

Weaknesses

1. Familiar Plot
   The story treads well-worn ground in the shark-survival genre, offering few surprises or innovations. Fans of the original may find this installment too derivative.
2. Pacing Issues
   The film takes time to build tension but often lingers too long on the characters’ interpersonal drama, slowing the momentum before the shark encounters ramp up.
3. Underdeveloped Characters
   While Nic’s grief and trauma are central to the narrative, the other characters lack depth, making it harder to invest in their fates during the survival sequences.
4. Less Intensity than the Original
   The first Reef movie stood out for its relentless tension and realism. The Reef: Stalked doesn’t quite capture the same sense of dread, relying more on formulaic scares.
5. Low Budget Constraints
   While practical effects are a strength, some scenes suffer from visible budget limitations, diminishing the overall impact of the shark attacks.

Verdict

The Reef: Stalked offers a serviceable entry in the shark-thriller genre, with a few suspenseful moments and an emotionally charged lead performance. However, it falls short of its predecessor’s nail-biting intensity and originality. Fans of survival horror and shark-themed movies may enjoy it, but it doesn’t break new ground in the genre.

Rating: 3/5
Recommended for casual fans of shark thrillers looking for light entertainment, but those seeking a more gripping experience may prefer the original The Reef.