Chum, a new high-concept thriller starring Alice Eve, is unapologetically silly, blending wedding chaos with a shark attack. The film, directed by Jonathan Zuck and written by Joe Leone, follows a group of wealthy wedding guests who encounter a great white shark during a celebratory cruise. However, the true antagonist is not the shark, which merely follows its instincts, but a grieving man named Roy (Jim Klock), who seeks revenge on the shark for killing his wife in the opening pre-credits sequence.
A Wedding Gone Wrong
Alice Eve, who also produces the film, plays Tina, a lawyer who has just married Tom (Eric Michael Cole) at a lavish destination wedding. Their honeymoon is cut short when Tom, an ecowarrior, is disgusted by Tina's willingness to represent an oil company. Their constant bickering leads them to join a three-hour cruise with several disposable secondary characters, setting the stage for the shark attack.
The script, credited to Joe Leone and Jonathan Zuck, practically labels each supporting character as shark bait, daring the audience to predict who will be thrown overboard first. The film relies heavily on practical effects for the attack scenes, even using real sharks in some shots, though the severed limbs look noticeably fake.
A Shark with a Grudge
The twist, though predictable, is that Roy, whose wife was eaten by the shark, is the real villain. He manipulates the situation to lure the shark and the wedding party into a deadly confrontation. The film's tone is intentionally campy, with Eve seemingly in on the joke, laughing along with the audience.
Despite its flaws, Chum delivers a fun, if daft, viewing experience. The filmmakers appear to embrace the absurdity, making it an enjoyable watch for those who appreciate over-the-top thrillers. Chum is available on digital platforms from 17 August.
