Title: Great White Waters 2025
Director: Anthony C. Ferrante (Sharknado)
Writers: Anthony C. Ferrante, Geoff Meed
Stars: Angela Cole, Ashton Leigh, Johnny Ramey
Release Date: July 4, 2025 (USA)
Distributor: TUBI Originals
Production: The Asylum, Acme Holding Company, Mini Nation Pictures
This review contains spoilers including major plot points, character fates, and the film’s climax. Proceed only if you’re cool with that.
Navigating The Asylum’s Waters: A Surprisingly Watchable Shark Flick
When millions in cartel cocaine vanish beneath Florida’s sunlit waves, the hunt turns deadly, not just because of human greed but thanks to an opportunistic shark presence. Directed by Anthony C. Ferrante, known for his previous work in genre cinema, Great White Waters ventures into familiar shark attack territory but offers a few unexpected currents beneath the surface.
The Asylum’s reputation precedes it: low-budget, CGI-challenged rip-offs often marked by hammy acting and thin scripts. Yet this film manages to side-step some of those pitfalls with a tighter narrative and a cast that, while not Oscar-bound, brings enough grit to sell the premise. Angela Cole’s Gia anchors the story with a shark-whisperer vibe that, though occasionally straining credulity, adds fresh teeth to the genre’s stock characters.
Story and Script: Generic Tropes with a Dash of Local Flavor
The plot feels comfortably generic drug stashes, cartel double-crosses, and a colluding Florida mayor forming the backbone of the story. But the script, written by Ferrante and Geoff Meed, injects moments of genuine tension and even humor. The dialogue avoids long-winded exposition, keeping conversations snappy and watchable.
Flashbacks reveal the tragic backstory of Gia’s late fiancé, intertwining personal loss with the present danger. This layering, while predictable, offers emotional stakes that elevate the otherwise straightforward thriller narrative. The baddies, led by Steve Hanks’ venomous Leo Reverend, bring a surprising modernity with female accomplices and a cold edge that feels fresh amid the usual shark flick clichés.
Visuals and Effects: When Sharks Look More Fake Than Fearsom
The CGI sharks oscillate between menacing and laughably fake, with size inconsistencies and occasional green screen oddities pulling the viewer out of the diegesis. However, underwater shots and close-ups manage to capture a decent sense of danger when the film leans on obscured visuals rather than full-on action sequences.
The film smartly limits graphic violence, with most kills happening off-screen or shown briefly, which softens the shock factor but also reduces tension. For fans of The Asylum, the visual aesthetic is par for the course: cheap but occasionally charming in its earnestness.
Performances and Characters: Good Enough for The Asylum’s Standards
Acting is surprisingly competent. Angela Cole’s Gia is a strong lead, balancing vulnerability with toughness. Steve Hanks’ Leo Reverend is a highlight, his venomous charm lending credibility to the villain role. The female characters add modern spice to the cast, though some performances fall into stereotypical territory.
The supporting crew members and baddies provide enough color without overstaying their welcome. The interplay between Gia and Charlotte, a deep-undercover task force agent, brings some of the best moments, especially during their tense small boat scenes.
Sharks, Suspense, and Genre Conventions in Great White Waters
While the sharks are the supposed stars, their uneven portrayal is the film’s Achilles’ heel. One minute, they’re ferocious predators; the next, they’re calm swimmers, occasionally even taking a slap from Gia without retaliating. This erratic behavior undercuts the suspense but fits the film’s uneven tone.
Despite this, the film’s pacing keeps viewers engaged, and the low-key score and atmospheric sound design bolster the mood. The film also cleverly uses modern tech jargon (trackers lighting up near cargo) juxtaposed with old-fashioned hand signals, highlighting a disconnect that adds unintended humor.
Final Thoughts: Great White Waters Is Watchable – Just Don’t Expect a Masterpiece
Ultimately, Great White Waters is not a cinematic shark bite to the soul but more of a playful nibble, an enjoyable watch for fans of low-budget genre fare and The Asylum’s signature style. It’s a film that knows its limitations but makes the most of its assets: a decent script, committed performances, and a splash of dark humor.
For those who love shark movies or have a soft spot for underdog indie flicks, this film offers enough thrills and camp to justify a watch. Just don’t expect Spielberg-level jaws. For another review by Gazzterly, read here. If you need more movies that feature cocaine, watch: Cocaine Shark / Cocaine Bear. If you need more shark movies, watch: Fear Below / Into the Deep
Great White Waters
Director: Anthony C. Ferrante
Date Created: 2025-07-04 13:36
3
Pros
- Fun and camp
- Solid story line
- Shark movie
Cons
- Little to no tension or gore
- Fans of serious shark horror should find something else
