Netflix’s surprise hit, “Under Paris,” continues to make waves even after losing its top spot on Netflix’s U.S. charts to “Hitman.”
Directed by Xavier Gens and released on June 5, 2024, the film has garnered attention for its unique premise of a giant shark wreaking havoc in the Seine River during a triathlon.
Originally titled “Sous Le Sienne” in France, the French-language thriller initially faced skepticism, reminiscent of campy shark movies like “Sharknado,” evident in its modest 35% audience score on Rotten Tomatoes.
Stephen King (EPA)
However, the film has found an unexpected advocate in horror master Stephen King. Initially expecting a tongue-in-cheek experience akin to “Sharknado,” King’s perspective shifted dramatically after viewing it, particularly praising its gripping final act.
On his Twitter account, King shared, “I thought UNDER PARIS would be a jokey movie, like SHARKNADO, but Twitter convinced me to give it a watch, and it’s really quite good. The last 25 minutes were amazing.”
The endorsement from King, known for his discerning taste in horror and suspense, has sparked renewed interest in “Under Paris.”
Despite early audience reservations, the film has maintained its global popularity, surpassing mainstream English-language titles in viewer numbers on Netflix. This success underscores the platform’s ability to attract substantial audiences through social media buzz, regardless of initial critical reception.
Under Paris (Full Players , Let Me Be)
In shark-themed cinema, which has often been associated with low-budget and gimmicky productions since Spielberg’s seminal “Jaws” in 1975,
“Under Paris” stands out for blending unexpected thrills with its aquatic antagonist. Its ability to grab audiences beyond traditional boundaries reaffirms its status as a noteworthy entry in the genre, buoyed by King’s influential endorsement.
As Stephen King continues to influence viewing trends with his recommendations on Netflix, “Under Paris” is poised to benefit further from his endorsement, drawing more viewers curious to experience its unexpected depths.
