Above & Below

Released in July 2026, 'Above & Below' plunges audiences into a perilous scenario where a group of friends on a shark-diving holiday find their adventure hijacked by criminals in open waters. The film's premise, blending action, thriller, horror, and crime elements, is undeniably gripping and holds significant potential for a tense survival narrative. However, the execution of this promising concept often falls short, resulting in a somewhat uneven experience.

The screenplay, penned by Tony Giordano, is frequently cited for its flimsy structure and reliance on characters making questionable decisions, which can detract from the overall suspense. The narrative struggles to consistently balance its dual threats—the human antagonists above water and the sharks below—leading to moments where the pacing feels sluggish, particularly in the initial setup. While the dialogue and overall storytelling can feel stilted at times, with some performances failing to fully elevate the material, Antonio Banderas stands out as a charismatic crime boss, injecting much-needed energy and menace into his scenes.

His portrayal is a clear highlight, making his character genuinely engaging despite the surrounding narrative weaknesses. Director Jesse V. Johnson demonstrates a competent hand in crafting some of the underwater sequences, with critics noting effective visual clarity and staging in these moments. The shark visual effects are generally considered decent, contributing to the genre's appeal, though some find them clichéd.

However, the film's production design and editing are largely unremarkable, serving the story adequately without significant flair or notable issues. Ultimately, 'Above & Below' delivers on its B-movie promise in bursts, particularly for fans of shark thrillers and those drawn to Banderas's performance, but it is hampered by a script that doesn't fully capitalise on its intriguing setup.