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Rating: ★★☆☆☆ (2/5)

Release Date: February 16, 2024 (U.S.)

Genre: Survival Thriller, Disaster, Shark Horror

Platform: Theatrical Release; Available on VOD

Director: Claudio Fäh

Writer: Andy Mayson

Cast: Sophie McIntosh, Will Attenborough, Jeremias Amoore, Manuel Pacific, Grace Nettle, Phyllis Logan, Colm Meaney

Runtime: 90 minutes

Budget: Not Disclosed

Box Office: $4.5 million





No Way Up

 (2024) – Movie Review



In the realm of disaster and survival thrillers, No Way Up attempts to merge the high-altitude terror of a plane crash with the deep-sea dread of shark-infested waters. Directed by Claudio Fäh, the film introduces a premise ripe with tension: a commercial flight crashes into the Pacific Ocean, leaving a handful of survivors trapped in an air pocket within the sinking fuselage, menaced by lurking sharks. While the concept holds promise, the execution falters, delivering a film that struggles to rise above its genre clichés.





Plot Summary



The narrative centers on Ava (Sophie McIntosh), the daughter of California’s governor, who boards a Vista Airlines flight from Los Angeles to Los Cabos. Accompanied by her boyfriend Jed (Jeremias Amoore), his friend Kyle (Will Attenborough), and her bodyguard Brandon (Colm Meaney), the journey takes a catastrophic turn when a bird strike leads to a crash into the Pacific Ocean. The survivors, including flight attendant Danilo (Manuel Pacific), young Rosa (Grace Nettle), and her grandmother Mardy ‘Nana’ (Phyllis Logan), find themselves trapped in a diminishing air pocket as the plane sinks.


As oxygen depletes and the threat of a tiger shark intensifies, the group must navigate their fears and devise a plan to reach the surface. The film unfolds with a series of perilous attempts to escape, punctuated by shark attacks and the ever-present danger of the fuselage collapsing under pressure. The tension escalates as personal sacrifices are made, culminating in a desperate bid for survival.





Performances



Sophie McIntosh delivers a competent performance as Ava, portraying a character thrust into leadership amidst chaos. Colm Meaney, as the steadfast bodyguard Brandon, brings a seasoned presence, though his screen time is limited. Phyllis Logan stands out as Mardy ‘Nana’, infusing the role with warmth and resilience, reminiscent of her acclaimed work in Downton Abbey. However, the ensemble’s efforts are often undermined by a script that offers limited character development, leaving performances feeling one-dimensional. 





Direction and Cinematography



Claudio Fäh’s direction aims to balance claustrophobic tension with action sequences, yet the pacing often lags, and suspense is diluted by predictable plot points. Cinematographer Andrew Rodger captures the underwater setting with a muted palette, effectively conveying the isolation and peril of the submerged environment. However, the visual storytelling occasionally suffers from inconsistent lighting and a lack of dynamic camera work, which could have enhanced the film’s intensity.





Writing and Themes



Andy Mayson’s screenplay introduces themes of survival, sacrifice, and the human instinct to persevere against insurmountable odds. While these themes are inherent to the genre, the narrative execution lacks depth, often relying on exposition and familiar tropes. Character arcs are underdeveloped, and dialogues sometimes feel forced, detracting from the emotional weight of the story. 





Sound Design and Score



Composer Andy Gray’s score attempts to underscore the film’s tension and urgency. While certain sequences benefit from the musical accompaniment, the overall sound design lacks the immersive quality that could have elevated the suspense. The ambient sounds of the underwater setting and shark encounters are present but fail to leave a lasting impact.





Critical Reception



No Way Up has garnered predominantly negative reviews from critics and audiences alike. On Rotten Tomatoes, the film holds a low approval rating, with critiques highlighting its lackluster plot and character development. Common Sense Media’s Jeffrey M. Anderson described it as “preposterously, laughably bad,” citing poor acting and dialogue. 


User reviews on IMDb echo similar sentiments, pointing out the film’s derivative nature and subpar performances. One reviewer noted, “The movie has no proper plot. The acting is very poor. The main actress is so pathetic. Most of the thrilling scenes have been copy-pasted from other movies.” 


However, some viewers found a degree of entertainment in its campiness. A Reddit user commented, “It was absolutely awful, but for a hungover watch, it was a load of fun. Thank God for high production value and Phyllis Logan giving a good and emotional performance.” 





Final Verdict



No Way Up aspires to blend the thrills of disaster and survival horror but ultimately delivers a film that feels submerged under the weight of its own ambitions. Despite a promising premise and a few commendable performances, the movie is hindered by a lackluster script, underdeveloped characters, and predictable plot developments. For fans of the genre seeking a straightforward, albeit flawed, thriller, it may serve as a passable viewing. However, those looking for innovation or depth in storytelling might find themselves adrift.




Rating: ★★☆☆☆ (2/5)