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Beast of War Review – A Shark Attack War Thriller with Stunning Effects
Beast of War review explores how Kiah Roache-Turner blends gritty war drama with terrifying shark horror in an atmospheric and stylish survival story.
Steven Spielberg’s Jaws may be turning 50 this year, but the influence of his shark masterpiece still looms large. Director Kiah Roache-Turner (Sting, Wyrmwood: Apocalypse) takes inspiration from the real historical event that shaped Quint’s chilling monologue in Spielberg’s classic. With Beast of War, Roache-Turner reimagines the story through a 1942 Australian war setting, delivering a bold mix of survival thriller, shark horror, and wartime drama.
The film follows a squad of barely-trained soldiers whose ship is quickly destroyed in combat.
Left adrift on wreckage in open waters, the survivors must face the dual threats of enemy forces and something even more terrifying lurking below the surface—a massive, relentless shark.
At the center of the film is Leo (Mark Coles Smith), a compassionate leader carrying a painful history with the sea. His knowledge and steady hand make him the squad’s anchor, balancing tension between characters like the arrogant Des (Sam Delich) and his younger, more vulnerable companion Will (Joel Nankervis).
Smith’s layered performance adds depth, giving emotional weight to the quiet moments between the bursts of violence.
Visually, Beast of War is striking. Cinematographer Mark Wareham uses moody fog, bold colors, and shadowy backdrops to create an almost Gothic aesthetic.
The fog itself becomes part of the storytelling, heightening suspense and isolating the characters further from any hope of rescue. Combined with Roache-Turner’s sharp direction, the film balances atmosphere and intensity with impressive control.
The violence is unflinching—war itself is brutal, and the film doesn’t shy away from grisly deaths, shocking attacks, and relentless action.
But it’s the shark that steals the show when it finally appears. Brought to life by Formation Effects through animatronics, puppetry, and practical effects, this creature is one of the most convincing cinematic sharks since Jaws.
Roache-Turner wisely uses restraint, allowing the menace to build until its explosive reveals, making every appearance count.
What makes Beast of War stand out isn’t just its creature feature thrills, but the way it blends multiple genres. It’s a war story, a survival thriller, and a shark horror film wrapped into one, with moments of unexpected humor and ingenuity that break the tension in clever ways.
Ultimately, Beast of War is Roache-Turner’s most accomplished project yet. It delivers grisly spectacle, heart-pounding suspense, and a surprising amount of emotional resonance.
By reinventing a familiar historical tale through bold visuals and an unforgettable shark, the film cements itself as a unique and thrilling entry in both war cinema and horror.
