Meg 2: The Trench — A Dive into the Abyss of Cinematic Ambition
From the suspenseful ‘Jaws’ to the thrilling ‘Deep Blue Sea’, the deep blue has never failed to captivate audiences
The ocean, with its vastness and mystery, has always been a fertile ground for filmmakers. From the suspenseful ‘Jaws’ to the thrilling ‘Deep Blue Sea’, the deep blue has never failed to captivate audiences. Enter ‘Meg 2: The Trench’, a sequel to the 2018 blockbuster ‘The Meg’, directed by Ben Wheatley, known for his work on ‘High-Rise’.
Plot: A Dive Deeper into Chaos
The narrative picks up five years after Jonas Taylor (Jason Statham) had his first encounter with the Megalodon. This time, the stakes are higher. The original crew, along with a new research team, embarks on an exploratory dive into the uncharted territories of the ocean. However, their mission is jeopardized by a sinister mining operation, leading to a high-octane battle for survival.
The plot, though promising on paper, seems to struggle with its execution. The film attempts to blend corporate espionage with shark-action, but the balance tilts more towards the former, leaving the audience yearning for more of the Megalodon.
Characters: Depth or Shallow Waters?
Statham, reprising his role as Jonas Taylor, appears to be trapped in a monotonous character arc. His signature line, “It’s a Megalodon”, though iconic, feels repetitive in this sequel. Wu Jing’s character, Jiuming Zhang, despite having potential, is reduced to a mere plot device, failing to evoke the desired emotional connection. Sophia Cai, playing Jonas’ step-daughter, is delightful but her character lacks depth. The supporting cast, including Page Kennedy, Sergio Peris-Mencheta, Skyler Samuels, and Cliff Curtis, unfortunately, don’t leave a lasting impression.
Physics: A Reality Check
One of the intriguing aspects of ‘The Meg’ series is the portrayal of the Megalodon, a prehistoric shark believed to have existed millions of years ago. The physics of how such a colossal creature maneuvers, hunts, and survives in the depths is a subject of fascination. However, ‘Meg 2’ seems to take certain liberties, especially in scenes involving high-speed chases and close encounters with humans. The balance between cinematic spectacle and scientific accuracy appears skewed.
Cinematography: A Visual Feast or Famine?
Ben Wheatley’s direction, combined with Haris Zambarloukos’ camerawork, offers a mixed bag. While certain underwater sequences are breathtaking, capturing the majesty and terror of the deep, others feel lackluster.
The color grading, essential for underwater scenes to convey depth, pressure, and the alien nature of the abyss, at times, feels inconsistent. The film could have benefited from a more immersive and consistent visual palette.
End Note : A Missed Opportunity
‘Meg 2: The Trench’, despite its ambitious premise, struggles to match the thrill and suspense of its predecessor. The film’s attempt to blend corporate drama with shark action dilutes the essence of what made ‘The Meg’ a fun watch. While Statham delivers a committed performance, the narrative and character development leave much to be desired. The cinematography, though competent in parts, lacks the consistency to elevate the film to the ranks of iconic ocean-based thrillers.
In light of the above, I would rate ‘Meg 2: The Trench’ 2 out of 5 stars. While it offers sporadic moments of thrill and spectacle, it falls short of delivering a cohesive and gripping cinematic experience. For those seeking a fun, popcorn flick, it might be worth a watch. However, for aficionados of the genre, it might come off as a missed opportunity.
MEG 2 : The Trench Trailer
Author: Hawrry Bhattarai
