Netflix has released the first trailer for its upcoming survival thriller, Thrash, a film that uniquely combines environmental concerns with the intense suspense of a shark attack movie. Written and directed by Tommy Wirkola, the film is set in a coastal town in South Carolina that faces the wrath of a catastrophic Category 5 hurricane. As the storm unleashes its fury, the town’s levees give way, unleashing a massive flood that allows a pack of aggressive bull sharks to invade the streets, turning the disaster into a terrifying fight for survival.
The narrative follows a diverse group of characters, each grappling with the dual threats of the hurricane’s destruction and the relentless predators lurking in the floodwaters. Among them is Lisa, portrayed by Phoebe Dynevor, a pregnant woman whose ordeal is made even more harrowing by the extreme circumstances. Alongside her is an oceanic researcher played by Djimon Hounsou, who is accompanied by his agoraphobic niece, brought to life by Whitney Peak. The film also explores the experiences of three foster siblings, played by Alyla Browne, Stacy Clausen, and Dante Ubaldi, as they navigate the chaos together.
Dynevor expressed enthusiasm about the complexity of her role, highlighting the unique challenge of portraying a character who is not only battling a natural disaster but also going through childbirth amid the chaos. Filming took place in Melbourne during winter, which added to the difficulty as she had to endure freezing temperatures while submerged in cold water tanks. To simulate pregnancy, she wore two wetsuits beneath her costume, making the physical demands of the shoot even more intense.
The decision to feature bull sharks as the primary antagonists was deliberate, given their reputation as some of the most dangerous and intelligent predators in the ocean. Bull sharks are known for their aggressive behavior, their tendency to hunt in groups, and their preference for murky waters—conditions that perfectly suit the film’s flood-ravaged setting. Unlike other shark species that may bite humans by mistake, bull sharks are known to actively target people. Director Wirkola also hinted at a surprise appearance by another type of shark, adding an extra layer of intrigue for shark enthusiasts.
In terms of production, the filmmakers employed a mix of practical effects and digital animation to bring the sharks to life on screen. While some scenes utilized realistic shark models and physical props, Dynevor’s interactions with the creatures were mostly created using CGI. She humorously recalled that during filming, stunt performers would substitute for the sharks by tossing tennis balls around, which required her to rely heavily on her acting skills to convey fear and urgency.
Producer Adam McKay, a longtime admirer of shark films, places Thrash within the lineage of iconic shark movies, citing classics like Jaws and Open Water as his personal benchmarks. He hopes that this new film will earn its place among the top tier of shark thrillers, offering audiences a fresh and exciting addition to the genre. McKay’s fascination with sharks dates back to his childhood, and he brings a deep understanding of these apex predators to the project, blending primal fear with scientific respect.
Beyond its entertainment value, Thrash also carries a subtle environmental message. The film’s concept was born from a desire to explore the impact of climate change on natural ecosystems, particularly how rising temperatures and extreme weather events are pushing dangerous wildlife closer to human populations. Wirkola approached McKay with the idea five years ago, envisioning a heightened climate scenario that now feels increasingly relevant as such encounters become more frequent worldwide.
Despite these serious undertones, McKay assures viewers that Thrash remains a thrilling, popcorn-style movie designed to entertain. It skillfully balances edge-of-your-seat action with a thoughtful reflection on the rapid changes occurring in our environment. The film is set to stream on Netflix starting April 10, promising a gripping experience for fans of both disaster films and shark horror.
