Summary
The new Netflix shark movieUnder Parishas gotten some surprising comparisons to Steven Spielberg’s 1975 classicJaws. Since premiering on the giant streaming platform on July 13, 2025, the action-horror thriller hasbecome one of the most popular new releases on Netflix, falling second in the Top 10 list only to Richard Linklater’s celebrated comedyHit Man.Under Paris, directed by Xavier Gens (Hitman,Lupin) features ashark crisis in the Seine River.
The early Junerelease ofUnder Pariscould not be better timedconsidering that the film takes place on the Seine River in Paris less than two months before the start of the 2024 Summer Olympic Games in Paris, France. The Seine has also been in the news recently due toits historical reputation for being heavily polluted, which is causing concern for Olympic swimming athletes who are scheduled to compete in the unclean river.
Under Paris' Divisive Rotten Tomatoes' Score Explained
The quality of the shark thriller subgenre is pretty slim
Under Pariscontinues to be one of the top-performing new releases on Netflix despite receiving mixed reviews from critics. Overall,the film has earned a Rotten Tomatoes score of 56%with an even lower audience score of 33%. Still, some critics have gone as far as to compare the new Netflix film to Spielberg’sJaws, which is widely considered to be the best and most influential shark movie ever made.
Michael Nordine ofVarietycalledUnder Paris"a shark movie worthy of swimming in the wake of Jaws," classifying the film as one of the bestJawsimitations ever made while pointing out that the bar in that category is pretty low. Stuart Heritage ofThe Guardianshares a similar opinion onUnder Paris, saying in his review, “Netflix has delivered one of the best shark movies ever made.” Both critics point out that the entire subgenre of shark thrillers is pretty hit-or-miss, so even thoughUnder Parishas mixed reviews, it still marks a high point for its class.
Under Paris Cast & Character Guide
Under Paris is an unconventional shark thriller that revitalizes the genre through effective storytelling and solid performances from its cast.
Under Paris Is Fun, But There Have Been Plenty Of Good Shark Movies Since Jaws
Under Paris is a solid addition to a floundering subgenre
While no one is really expecting any summer shark movie to become a groundbreaking cinematic project,Under Parisis still a fun watch as summer rapidly approaches. While comparing the new release toJawsmight be a bit of a stretch, it successfully joins the ranks of other entertaining shark projects such asThe Shallows(2016),The Meg(2018), andOpen Water(2003). While it is somewhat disappointing thatUnder Parisis unavailable to see in theaters, it still marks a solid addition to a mostly floundering subgenre that was effectively created byJaws.
Under Paris Ending Explained
Netflix’s Under Paris walks through a familiar face-off between humans and sharks but surprisingly ends its narrative with a shocking cliffhanger.
Under Paris
Cast
Beneath the bustling streets of Paris lies a hidden world filled with ancient secrets and dark mysteries. A group of daring urban explorers sets out to uncover the truth buried within the city’s catacombs, only to find themselves facing a series of terrifying challenges. As they unravel the enigmatic past of Paris, they must confront their deepest fears to survive.
