Trailerblazing -- The Shallows

The Shallows -- June 24, 2016 -- directed by Jaume Collet-Serra -- starring Blake Lively, Óscar Jaenada, Sedona Legge

Apart from the relatively frightening The Reef, there has not been a horror or thriller in recent years that has managed to make sharks stand out. Based on the trailer, The Shallows begs to differ. Just check out that great white's entrance! I love the minimalist story, since it leaves room for plenty of creativity -- how does this woman reach the shore? -- and the teaser gives away just enough. Collet-Serra is a veteran of the genre and knows how to create suspense, as well as terrific action sequences. The role is a departure for Lively, who has really shown her acting chops in the wonderful Age of Adaline, so I look forward to seeing what she does here. Her character Mia's grief for her mother raises the stakes for her when she ends up in a life-or-death situation and has to fight for survival. All in all, the film looks like a surefire sleeper hit. Its summer release date, in the midst of the season boasting the Independence Day sequel and the new Star Trek and X-Men franchise entries, means that it will find an audience eager for pure, unadulterated suspense. Diving in has never seemed this appealing.