Phía Dưới Sông Seine - Under Paris (2024)

Xavier Gens’ 'Under Paris' emerges not merely as a conventional survival horror, but as a bold and timely entry into the creature feature subgenre. Gens masterfully leverages the iconic Parisian backdrop, particularly the Seine River, transforming it into a claustrophobic arena for aquatic terror. The underwater cinematography is commendably executed, creating breathtaking tension and amplifying the predatory menace within an urban environment.

Bérénice Bejo delivers a compelling performance as Sophia, providing a robust emotional anchor. Her portrayal of a complex character, torn between a tragic past and present responsibilities, adds significant depth to what could have been a purely superficial thrill ride. While the narrative occasionally succumbs to genre tropes, the film distinguishes itself with potent commentary on climate change and humanity's environmental impact, elevating it beyond typical creature fare. 'Under Paris' solidifies its position as a relevant ecological thriller, despite some uneven visual effects in certain sequences, making it a noteworthy addition to contemporary French cinema.