Beast of War Fantastic Fest Review

I’ve got a guilty pleasure I can’t resist talking about, which are shark movies. For some reason, I feel compelled to watch every single one I can find, the good and the bad. Luckily, at Fantastic Fest I had the chance to catch Beast of War, and it completely hooked me in. The premise alone had me sold. It’s about World War II soldiers stranded on a raft, fighting to survive against a relentless shark after their boat sinks. I couldn’t wait to see it, but I never expected it would end up being one of my favorites of the entire festival. It delivers on jaw biting action and really reels you in for a good time. This movie is proof why shark movies are awesome and are extremely entertaining. The film delivers exactly what I want from this kind of story which is likable, well-drawn characters and a shark that feels like a true predator. I found myself fully invested in the group’s fight for survival. It works perfectly and encapsulates the essence of a really good shark movie. It delivers on all cylinders and is more compex then one would think.

The tension in Beast of War was unrelenting, with sequences that genuinely terrified me. In many ways, it felt like a slasher film, with the shark as the unstoppable killer. Even with a smaller budget, they found clever ways to use the creature effectively, and it paid off. If you’re a fan of shark movies, this one deserves to be on your radar. The shark is a constant threat and there are so many great moments with it. Scene after scene, the shark was terrifying. When it comes to creature features, the real key to them, is the characters in them. If you don’t care about the characters, the danger doesn’t matter. Thankfully, Beast of War has a strong ensemble cast they created these amazing characters. The acting is believable and grounded, with the two leads standing out from the opening of the movie in act one. I just love that the movie starts with them training and really giving each character their moments before going straight into the scenes with the shark. Their dynamic feels organic, and I was rooting for them immediately. Once the shark enters the picture, I was already emotionally invested in their story and safety. A crucial part that was needed. Their friendship with each other was the emotional anchor and it stayed strong throughout the movie.

As for the shark itself, the director took several approaches to make it terrifying. While some shots looked better than others, the overall execution was strong, and they even gave the shark a distinctive, unsettling sound effect, that amped up the tension in brilliant ways. What I really appreciated is that the film keeps things straightforward. It doesn’t try to overcomplicate the story, it knows exactly what it is and leans into that. Instead, the depth of the movie comes through in character development, which makes the stakes feel real. The direction is sharp and purposeful, creating an experience that feels both thrilling and claustrophobic as they are lost at sea. By the end, my fear of the ocean and what lurks beneath was only reinforced. Sharks may be misunderstood creatures, but this film reminds us why they’re still so terrifying. A shark has to eat and well, food was served on a wooden platter.

Overall, Beast of War delivers exactly what I look for in a shark movie: a terrifying shark, high-stakes survival, and characters worth caring about. The single-location setting works well, the performances are strong, and the conflicts within the group feel authentic. While the pacing slips in a few places and the budget limitations show at times, it never overstays its welcome. It’s a tense, engaging ride that doubles as both a survival thriller and a character study of people pushed to their limits. If you’re a fan of shark horror films or single-location survival films, this one is absolutely worth checking out. Come for the bait and enjoy the feast that is Beast of War. It will serve as a good time and will meet the expectations of horror fans and shark movie fans!

Rating: 78/100