REVIEW: “Thrash” (2026)

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Netflix’s “Thrash” is a wild mix of classic disaster movies and over-the-top shark thrillers. It’s incredibly silly and sometimes confusing, but manages to be a fun, if flawed, way to pass the time. While it has its moments, the movie feels like it could have been much more outrageous and over-the-top than it actually is.

Tommy Wirkola, the Norwegian filmmaker behind movies like “Dead Snow” (2009), “The Trip” (2021), and “Violent Night” (2022), wrote and directed “Thrash.” While those earlier films were decent, “Thrash” unfortunately doesn’t measure up. It feels hastily made and like a collection of disconnected ideas with a weak storyline.

A powerful Category 5 hurricane is heading straight for Annieville, South Carolina. Despite warnings to leave, a few residents stayed behind and now face serious danger. Hurricane Henry arrived quickly, but the most devastating impact wasn’t the wind itself. Instead, the storm surge caused the ocean barriers to fail, and floodwaters quickly overwhelmed the town.

The story follows several people struggling to survive a disaster. Lisa Fields, a pregnant woman from New York, is stranded in her car after failing to escape the town. Dakota, a young woman with extreme fear of open spaces, is trapped on the top floor of her flooded house. A group of three siblings are left to fend for themselves due to their neglectful foster parents. Meanwhile, Dakota’s uncle, Dr. Dale Edwards, a marine researcher, is racing to Annieville to save her.

The few people who survive the flood soon realize the rising water isn’t their biggest problem. Much more dangerous are the bull sharks swept into town with the surge. While it’s a wild and fun addition to the story, the director clearly enjoys playing with these sharks. In fact, the sharks end up being more compelling and even smarter than most of the human characters.

The film’s biggest weaknesses come from its script, which repeatedly puts the characters in trouble because they make foolish decisions. If the movie was clearly a comedy, these choices might be forgivable. However, the story is mostly presented seriously, which highlights how unlikeable the characters are. Compounding the problem, they’re forced to say unbelievably silly lines that even skilled actors can’t deliver convincingly.

“Thrash” feels like a missed opportunity – it doesn’t quite commit to being a truly great film. It jumps around trying to be thrilling, frightening, and humorous, but doesn’t fully succeed at any of those things. While the special effects, both practical and digital, are well-done and prominently featured, the movie ultimately needs more energy, a clearer focus, and characters that audiences can connect with.

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2026-04-10 17:57