A new shark movie has just landed on Netflix and could be one of the surprise blockbusters this summer.1 

Director Xavier Jens, "Under Paris," sees Paris terrorized by wayward apex predators who abandon their homes in the open ocean in favor of the Seine and, at major sporting events on the horizon, the arrival of killer creatures could mean disaster for the French capital. 

Given the caliber of so many modern shark flicks, you would be allowed to dismiss "Under Paris" before giving it a chance. But given that some early reactions have drawn comparisons between the new release of Gens and Spielberg's "Jaws," it should be worth a second look, right? Here's what you need to know about "Under Paris"."

"Under Paris" (or "Sous la Seine") is a French shark film that assumes a strange scenario: What if a giant shark took residence in the middle of Paris? 

Just as the Seine is ready to host the World Triathlon Championship for the first time, the scientist Sofia ("artist" star Bérénice Bejo) learns that a giant Mako shark known as "Lilith" is underwater. Sofia has a history with this particular beast; in the prologue set three years ago, we learn that her team fell foul of Lilith in a bloody encounter under a mountain of sea garbage. 

And since the mayor is determined that the event will go ahead, Sofia teams up with River cop, Sergeant Adil Faez (Nasim Rise), to pack and send the creature before turning the race into a massacre.

"Under Paris" only arrived today (Wednesday, june5), and at the time of writing there was no score on the Rotten Tomatoes review aggregation site. But still some "Under Paris" reviews are already online and you may be surprised to know that they are very positive!

Writing for Variety, Michael Nordine notes that few films deserve a designation that is "often imitated and never replicated" like "Jaws." "Under Paris" may be the best among them, but it's not a faint praise."

Matt Donato of the Daily Dead was equally impressed. He claims "Under Paris" blends the bureaucratic stupidity of "Jaws" with the tempo of "Deep Blue Sea," adding, "[it's] not an example of the wisest shark scare, but it's an absurdly entertaining experience."

As a long-time shark movie enthusiast, I couldn't check "Under Paris".

Sure, "Under Paris" aping "Jaws" in many ways, but it's hard not to copy the best shark movie when you're there... Make a new shark movie, and there's still something worth celebrating here. Bérénice Bejo has made a formidable lead, and the film makes good use of its unique setting. In addition, there is a really chaotic, quirky finale in the store that is sure to please those with an appetite for destruction.

Are you not convinced? Check out our summary of the best movies on Netflix and what's new on Netflix in 2024/6 to find your next audience.