Bait (2012) – A Thrilling Australian-Singaporean Horror Film

Bait (2012) is a 3D horror-thriller co-produced by Australia and Singapore, directed by Kimble Rendall, based on a screenplay by John Kim and Russell Mulcahy. Featuring a talented cast including Sharni Vinson, Phoebe Tonkin, Xavier Samuel, and Julian McMahon, this movie delivers a suspenseful and terrifying experience. The plot revolves around a group of strangers who find themselves trapped in a supermarket after a tsunami strikes Queensland, Australia, and face an even more deadly danger: twelve-foot sharks lurking around them.

Plot Overview

The story begins with Josh, a young man with a troubled past, who wakes up to a confrontation with his friend Rory. As Josh tries to move on with his life, he is suddenly reminded of the tragic loss of his best friend, who was killed by a shark during a rescue mission. A year later, Josh works at a local supermarket, where he crosses paths with his ex-fiancée, Tina, and other colorful characters. Among them are a pair of robbers, Doyle and Kirby, who decide to hold up the store. Meanwhile, a police officer named Todd and several other shoppers find themselves caught in a dramatic situation that takes a deadly turn when a tsunami floods the supermarket.

With the wave wreaking havoc, the survivors quickly realize that the true terror lies beneath the water—two great white sharks are patrolling the flooded aisles and car park. As the survivors struggle to escape, they must fight not only the threat of drowning but also the savage, hungry sharks that make every moment a deadly gamble.

Action and Survival

What follows is a series of gripping events that test the limits of the survivors’ courage. As the group tries to find a way out of the supermarket, they lose several of their own to the sharks, creating an atmosphere of constant danger. Desperation sets in as the survivors attempt to trap and kill the sharks, even resorting to using themselves as bait. A failed plan leads to further casualties, and each character must make difficult choices to ensure their own survival.

The tension builds as the characters, including Josh, Tina, Jaime, Ryan, and others, navigate the flooded supermarket and face terrifying underwater threats. They fight to stay alive, with the sharks picking them off one by one. The story culminates in an intense and action-packed finale where the remaining survivors must use all their wits and resources to defeat the sharks and escape the deadly situation.

Reception

Bait received mixed to negative reviews. Critics were divided on the film, with some praising its thrills and genre appeal, while others criticized the lack of depth in character development. Despite its flaws, the film found an audience, especially among fans of horror and disaster movies. The film holds a 42% rating on Rotten Tomatoes, with some critics enjoying the film for its campy, entertaining qualities, while others felt that it did not connect emotionally with the audience.

Sequel and Legacy

Despite a modest box office performance in Australia, Bait proved to be a significant success in international markets, especially in China, where it grossed over $20 million. Due to this success, a sequel was announced, although it would diverge into a completely different story. The sequel, Deep Water, will follow a new premise involving a group of passengers trapped in a sinking airplane surrounded by deadly forces, including natural predators.

In conclusion, Bait (2012) delivers a fast-paced, edge-of-your-seat horror experience, featuring intense action, shocking moments, and a compelling premise. While not a masterpiece, it serves its purpose as an entertaining, shark-infested thriller. Fans of the genre will find plenty to enjoy in this movie, even if it doesn’t completely satisfy on a deeper narrative level.