The Devil’s Mouth (2026)

The Devil’s Mouth (2026)

It’s got nothing to do with David A Lambert’s book The Devil’s Mouth.

Ahhhhh… Kathryn Newton!
I don’t know whether I adore her, like her or hate this actress!!!

Actually, I’d say her work is very hit and miss. She made her film debut in Paranormal Activity 4 (2012), which is obviously the worst of the four. It’s very rare for a fourth instalment to be brilliant! She then went on to appear in series such as Supernatural and the miniseries Big Little Lies. I didn’t really like her in Freaky (2020), but she was excellent in Abigail (2024). She was fairly decent in Ant-Man and the Wasp: Quantumania – Ant-Man 3 (2023). However, she didn’t make much of an impression on me at all in Three Billboards Outside Ebbing, Missouri (2017). It has to be said that there was already plenty to be mesmerised by in the other members of that incredible cast, comprising Frances McDormand, Woody Harrelson, Sam Rockwell, Abbie Cornish and Peter Dinklage. It’s fair to say that Kathryn has already cut her teeth and worked alongside some of the greatest.

I don’t know how good Wedding Nightmare: Part Two (2026) is, but I didn’t like the first one to begin with. Unless you’re completely smitten with her, Newton is a rather forgettable actress, as she looks far too much like other actresses. It’s easy to confuse some of them.

Here, she actually does very well… even though when I saw her, I instantly thought: ‘Oh no! I’d have preferred to see McKenna Grace in her place.’ But in the end, I wasn’t disappointed! But I do find she often comes across as very robotic, lacking in emotion and charm. She’s the sort of actress who could easily be replaced by AI – no offence intended! It’s as if she’s thinking, ‘Right… I’ll give it my all in this scene… but not necessarily in the next one. Anyway, I’ve got the part, so that’s fine!’ I don’t know if you’re following me?

In fact, there’s a moment when her character throws a camera away, saying that from now on we should only take what’s necessary. Most people consider their photos to be their most important and precious possessions… but not here, apparently!

That said, huge respect for her quite physically demanding role. She must have done quite a bit of climbing, scaling and clinging on, and she’s a cracking swimmer from what we can see.

All the other actors and actresses (there are eight in total) are pretty good. Naturally, we don’t see them as often, or in as many scenes, as the lead actress.

As for me, I really felt like I was suffocating whilst watching this film. I’m not a good swimmer and I wouldn’t last long in a film like this. I’d undoubtedly always be the first to go. I always find it amusing to hold my breath when the characters are underwater, but it always seems a bit over the top to me. Having to hold your breath for ages, helping friends trapped underwater, and all whilst a massive bull shark is lurking nearby… I think there are better ways to spend a holiday!!!

A really good thriller. I had absolutely no idea whether this film was going to feature a crocodile or a shark. There are other dangers too, such as jellyfish, which adds some variety. I’ll definitely be adding this film to my list of favourite shark films alongside 47 Meters Down (2017), The Reef (2010), The Reef – Stalked (2022), The Shallows (2016), Great White (2021) and Jaws… which isn’t my favourite, but which allows me to include Orca – The Killer Whale (1977) as well, which I love. The sequel to the first film, 47 Metres Down: Uncaged (2019), isn’t bad. It’s a good film, but it’s not as good as the original.

On the other hand, you can give The Requin (2022) a miss and steer clear of Open Water 3 – Cage Dive (2017). But they’re still better than the rubbish that is Sharknado, unless you’re a fan of B-movies.

The Devil’s Mouth is thrilling, tense and well-paced, with some original moments. These moments might seem ridiculous – like the shark getting stuck in holes too small for it to fit through – but on the whole it holds up quite well… even though we’re in the water!

The special effects aren’t always top-notch, and this CGI never ceases to disappoint us.

As the film progresses, we see flashbacks to the opening moments, and it’s quite nicely done.

What’s a shame is that the director has had a bit of fun creating what amount to double endings. Twice we think it’s going to end one way, but in fact something else happens. And on both occasions, the first version is better, even if it’s darker. It’s not that I want the worst to happen, but it’s more realistic and far less over the top.