‘No Way Up’ Review: ‘Snakes On a Plane’ But With Sharks

With sharks in every conceivable setting, from grocery stores to snowfields and even in supernatural forms, you’d think there was nothing left to explore in shark-themed films. But RLJE Films’ latest offering, ‘No Way Up,’ dares to take the sharp-toothed predators to new heights – quite literally – by placing them in a plane crash scenario in the middle of the ocean.

The plot kicks off when a flock of birds collides with the engine of a plane bound for Cabo, causing a catastrophic crash landing in the sea. As the aircraft sinks, only seven passengers survive the ordeal, facing not only the imminent threat of drowning but also the relentless pursuit of hungry sharks.

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Among the survivors are Ava, the daughter of California’s governor, along with her boyfriend Jed and their friend Kyle. Accompanying them are “Nana” Mardy and her granddaughter Rosa. Adding to the mix is Brandon, Ava’s rugged bodyguard, portrayed by veteran actor Colm Meaney, who stands out amidst the lacklustre ensemble.

While the premise holds promise, ‘No Way Up’ fails to capitalise on its potential. Director Claudio Fäh’s attempt to infuse tension and excitement falls flat, resulting in a lacklustre rendition of what could have been an exhilarating shark thriller. Despite the engaging opening credits, the film struggles to maintain coherence, with disjointed subplots and forgettable characters dragging the narrative down.

What begins as a promising disaster flick soon devolves into a tedious exercise in mediocrity. The initial thrill of the plane crash quickly dissipates, leaving audiences yearning for the suspense and wit that characterise successful shark-themed movies. ‘No Way Up’ squanders its intriguing premise with a lacklustre execution, missing the mark on delivering the chills and thrills expected from the genre.

While the presence of sharks and a well-executed crash sequence offer brief glimpses of excitement, they ultimately fail to salvage the film from its downward spiral. Despite its nod to classic shark films like ‘Jaws 2,’ ‘No Way Up’ ultimately sinks faster than the plane it portrays, leaving viewers disappointed and disengaged.